This is in reference to the front-page story “Fast-track courts to deliver speedy justice.” The announcement by Minister of Justice Dr. Muhammad Al-Eissa of having fast-track courts is a welcome move. It will provide a great relief to aggrieved parties as they will have timely verdicts. Needless to repeat, justice delayed is justice denied.
In cases where the issue is clear and the evidence is well presented and documented, judges should have the power to issue final rulings without seeking the opinion of other judicial agencies. However, where the issues are purely technical, it is common practice for the courts to seek expert opinion and many a times and this results in delays as the parties do not agree with each other for different reasons. As there is no court fee, it is very common for people to file suits.
There is also a need to encourage people to settle their commercial and contractual disputes through mediation or arbitration. The new arbitration law has given enormous powers and freedom to parties to conduct the arbitration in the manner they choose.
The very important provision of disallowing the courts to revisit the facts and issues once determined by the arbitrators will reduce the burden of the courts enormously as they will be just required to rule on the objection by a party that the arbitrators did not observe the terms of reference or the rules prescribed or it did not get a fair opportunity to present its case. — Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam
Fast-track courts
