A proposal that seeks to reconsider the monetary threshold for legal transactions that can be proven through witness testimony, raising the maximum limit from BD500 to BD1,000, was unanimously approved by the Shura Council yesterday.
Suggested amendments to the 1996 Evidence in Civil and Commercial Matters Law will now be drafted into a proper legislation by the government and resubmitted to the National Assembly for review and vote.
The legislation reflects the changes in the purchasing power of the currency and the evolving nature of civil transactions, which have significantly increased in value over time.
It also aligns with the monetary jurisdiction rules for courts as stipulated in the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law, which has been revised multiple times to reflect changes in currency value.
Legislative and legal affairs committee rapporteur Jawad Buhussain highlighted that the proposal aligns with Bahrain’s legislative policy, which prioritises updating laws to keep pace with economic developments.
He noted that the proposed amendment builds on the same rationale as Law No 17 of 2009, which previously increased the monetary threshold for legal transactions that could be proven or terminated through witness testimony from BD200 to BD500.
He explained that the proposed amendment aims to simplify litigation procedures by modernising the rules of evidence to reflect the current state of civil transactions.
“It seeks to empower individuals to prove their rights in transactions valued at BD1,000 or less using all available methods of evidence, including witness testimony, which remains an accessible and practical means of proof,” explained Mr Buhussain.
Meanwhile, Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh read out a statement on the National Day. Members wore national flag scarves as the chamber was decorated in the national colours.
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