Uzbekistan Senate Simplifies Access to Justice System

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has reviewed and approved a law aimed at creating more favorable conditions for citizens and businesses when applying to economic and administrative courts, as well as improving access to justice.

The document introduces comprehensive amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the Economic Procedure Code, as well as the Code of Administrative Liability and the Code of Administrative Court Proceedings.

During discussions, it was noted that the law is aimed at a systemic improvement of judicial procedures and expanding opportunities for the protection of the rights of citizens and businesses. One of the key innovations is the introduction of extraterritorial jurisdiction, which allows applicants to file claims with relevant courts regardless of territorial jurisdiction, thereby simplifying access to justice.

The document also introduces the institution of preliminary hearings in administrative courts. Lawmakers said this will improve the quality of case preparation and enhance the efficiency of judicial proceedings.

Special attention is given to strengthening accountability of state bodies. The law requires mandatory participation of officials from government agencies in court hearings, a measure intended to increase transparency and personal responsibility in dispute resolution.

A legal principle of protection of legitimate expectations is also introduced, under which responsibility for errors made by state bodies is assigned to those authorities rather than entrepreneurs. This provision is designed to reduce administrative risks for businesses and improve predictability in law enforcement practice.

In addition, the system of economic courts is being optimized. Instead of district and city economic courts, inter-district economic courts will be established, which is expected to help unify judicial practice and improve the efficiency of resolving commercial disputes.

Senators emphasized that the adoption of the law is aimed at improving the investment climate, reducing corruption risks, and strengthening the principles of fairness and respect for human dignity. The document was approved following the review.