Parliament Moves to Extend Objection Period in Criminal Cases to One Month

During the Council of Representatives’ session, Member of Parliament Dr. Ali bin Majid Al Nuaimi affirmed that the proposed amendment to Article (277), paragraph one, of Decree Law No. (46) of 2002 issuing the Criminal Procedures Law , which seeks to extend the objection period to a criminal order from seven days to one month, represents a continuation of legislative efforts to enhance the justice system.
Dr. Al Nuaimi stated that the amendment strikes a fair balance between swift adjudication and the protection of individual rights, contributing to a more comprehensive and equitable legal framework.
He explained that extending the objection period would allow individuals subject to a criminal order sufficient time to review and understand the decision and its legal consequences before determining whether to object, thereby reducing the risk of rushed or uninformed choices.
Dr. Al Nuaimi highlighted that prior amendments to the criminal order system in 2020 and 2025 addressed penalties and the authority responsible for issuing such orders, expanding the Public Prosecution’s powers. However, they did not include provisions related to objection timelines. The new amendment, he said, complements these previous changes by establishing a more complete procedural structure that supports judicial integrity.
He further emphasized that extending the objection period to one month grants individuals greater opportunity to evaluate their legal position, reflecting the Council of Representatives’ ongoing commitment to enacting legislation that reinforces justice, transparency, and the efficiency of the judicial process.