February 21 may be established as the Day of Judicial System Employees

At a meeting of the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan's faction in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the draft law "On the Status of Judges" was discussed. Sardor Rakhmidinov, a Judge of the Supreme Court, delivered a presentation on the draft.

As noted, this draft law is aimed at further strengthening the independence of the judiciary, the status of judges, and their legal and social guarantees.

Specifically, according to the draft, the minimum age for judicial candidates is being lowered from 35 to 30. A new appointment procedure is being introduced, wherein judges are initially appointed for a five-year term, and subsequently for an indefinite period. The current practice is a single 10-year term.

The requirements for judicial positions, including court chairpersons and their deputies, are being made more stringent. A clear procedure for the regular professional development of judges is being defined. The irremovability of judges is being reinforced as an important guarantee of their independence. Clear criteria for evaluating a judge's professional activity and career progression are also being established.

"This draft law clarifies the grounds for disciplinary liability and introduces a new measure—the institution of transfer to a lower judicial post," says deputy Z. Mavlonov. "Clear grounds for the rotation of judges and guarantees to ensure their independence in this process are being established. In addition, six types of security measures for the state protection of judges and the institution of 'judge in retirement' are being proposed. The social guarantees for judges are being further strengthened."

Furthermore, it is envisaged that February 21 will be established as the Day of Judicial System Employees, symbolizing the significant reforms implemented in the judiciary.

The amendments to the law also expand the powers of the Chairman of the Supreme Court in the effective organization of the activities of the courts and their administrative staff.

As has been noted, the norms in the draft law serve to strengthen the independence of judges, ensure their immunity and security, and increase their professional responsibility. The more independent a judge is, the stronger a citizen's faith in justice will be.

Muhtarama Komilova, UzA