THE Shura Council unanimously approved two major decree-laws during its weekly session yesterday.
Decree-Law No 31 of 2025 amends provisions of the 1976 Penal Code, while Decree-Law No 32 of 2025 amends the 2002 Criminal Procedures Law.
Both the decree-laws were referred to Parliament Speaker to notify the government.
The Shura Council’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee rapporteur Ali Al Aradi said the changes sought under Decree-Law No 31 of 2025 were aimed at safeguarding the constitutional rights to life and safety.
“This decree-law embodies the state’s duty to protect the right to life as a fundamental constitutional guarantee,” he said.
“It also reinforces equality before the law by unifying the penalties for similar acts. This helps secure consistent judicial rulings and strengthens the legal classification of accidental killing and unintentional injury.”
Committee chairman Dr Ali Al Rumaihi described the amendments as a preventive measure.
“This decree is a proactive step to close potential legislative gaps in crimes occurring under similar circumstances,” he said.
“It has been aligned with the Traffic Law to prevent confusion for the judiciary.”
Shura’s second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel sought clarification on Article 342 of the Penal Code, which concerns accidental killing.
“The article specifies imprisonment rather than jail, and refers cases to the High Criminal Court, which is a felony court, not a misdemeanour court,” she said.
“We need a clear legal explanation: Is the offence a felony or a misdemeanour?”
Woman and child committee vice-chairwoman Leena Qassim asked how courts can determine whether a driver failed to provide assistance after an accident.
“What evidence shows that the offender could have helped? And if multiple victims are involved, do later deaths – days or weeks after hospitalisation – count as the same as immediate fatalities?” she asked.
In response, Legal Affairs Minister and acting Labour Minister Yousif Khalaf said the decision ultimately lay with the court.
“The judge will determine whether the individual was capable of offering assistance,” he said.
“Whether the offence is treated as a felony or a crime depends on affiliated effects whether the harm was immediate or occurred later.”
As for Decree-Law No 31 of 2025, Mr Al Aradi explained that the reform completes the legislative update required after changes to both the Penal Code and Traffic Law.
The decree-law ensures consistency between procedural rules and the amended substantive laws.
He added that it supports a unified and coherent legislative policy, helps maintain the effectiveness of criminal orders as an essential tool for resolving cases early, and reduces the burden on courts by simplifying procedures.
Mr Al Aradi pointed out that the decree was designed to speed up rulings in minor cases without compromising fair-trial guarantees.
Throughout the session, legislators highlighted that the two decrees collectively strengthen Bahrain’s legal framework by closing loopholes, enhancing deterrence and ensuring uniform application of justice.
Shura members said these reforms were vital for protecting lives and ensuring clarity and fairness in the justice system.
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