The Daily Tribune, 18 December 2024: The Shura Council has endorsed a proposal to double the limit for small claims that can be substantiated through witness testimony, increasing it from BD500 to BD1,000.

This initiative aims to streamline and reduce the costs associated with resolving minor financial disputes in Bahrain’s courts.

Prompted by changing economic conditions, the proposal will now be sent to the government for legislative drafting.

If enacted, individuals will be able to use witness testimony for claims up to BD1,000, thereby reducing the reliance on costly legal procedures.

Members of the Shura Council have emphasised that this change would make the legal process more accessible for ordinary Bahrainis dealing with minor financial disagreements.

One council member noted that the previous 500-dinar limit was outdated and no longer aligned with current realities.

Increasing the limit to 1,000 dinars is expected to make legal action less intimidating and help individuals resolve disputes without incurring significant expenses.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council expressed support for the change but stressed the need for precise legal wording to ensure its effectiveness.

If approved, this adjustment would mark a significant step towards simplifying legal processes for Bahrain’s citizens, facilitating quicker and less burdensome resolutions for small-scale disputes.

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