Justice Minister: New Penal Code to Unprecedentedly Reduce Court Cases

Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Sumait announced that the total amount collected by the Debtors Campaign in 2026 reached 16,539,659 Kuwaiti dinars, with the participation of 138,328 donors. The campaign benefited 3,807 debtors by fully or partially settling the amounts adjudicated against them.

Speaking at a press conference marking the conclusion of the campaign, which took place last Ramadan, Al-Sumait noted that some debtors did not benefit from the debt forgiveness itself but had acted as guarantors for others; however, legal procedures were still enforced against them in accordance with the law. He added that preparations are underway for a larger initiative next Ramadan.

The Justice Minister also addressed the legislative system file, explaining that courts handle approximately one million cases annually. He stated that, following directives from His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to review all legislation, the Ministry has now reached the third phase of the review plan. He emphasized that the new Penal Code will significantly reduce the number of cases before the courts.

Al-Sumait highlighted that the third phase is the most important, as it involves discussing several key laws, including the Family Law, Personal Status Law, and Penal Code, alongside economic laws that will also undergo review and development.

Regarding community engagement, Al-Sumait stated that these results reflect the high level of community interaction with the campaign and the spirit of solidarity and compassion characteristic of Kuwaitis. He noted that the campaign was not merely an initiative for debt repayment but a humanitarian step aimed at alleviating burdens on debtors and their families, giving them a new opportunity to regain stability.

He added that the number of rulings issued against beneficiaries totaled 5,645, while the number of enforcement measures lifted after payment reached 14,928. These measures included lifting seizures on vehicles and bank accounts, removing travel bans and arrest warrants, and releasing civil detainees.

Al-Sumait clarified that personal debts and claims constituted the largest share of rulings at 45%, followed by rental cases at 35%, personal status expenses at 16%, and other categories at 4%. He indicated that males accounted for 81% of total beneficiaries, compared to 19% for females.

In a related context, Al-Sumait revealed a noticeable decline in the number of cases before courts between January 1 and September 30, 2026, compared to the same period in 2024. He stated that the total number of cases dropped from 834,965 in 2024 to 664,732 in 2026, a decrease of 170,233 cases, representing a 20% reduction.

He further noted that criminal cases across various courts decreased from 566,474 to 449,083, a drop of 117,391 cases, or 21%. Partial appeals saw a decline from 5,676 orders in 2024 to 3,359 in 2026, while cases before the Court of Cassation fell by 39%, from 15,906 to 9,681.

Al-Sumait pointed out that execution orders recorded the largest percentage decrease, dropping from 67,506 cases in 2024 to 27,326 in 2026, a reduction of 40,180 cases, amounting to 60%.

He affirmed that the Ministry of Justice continuously monitors these indicators and statistics due to their importance in tracking litigation trends, measuring the volume of judicial work, and supporting efforts to develop the judicial system and improve the efficiency of procedures and services provided to litigants.

Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Sumait concluded his statement by emphasizing the Ministry’s continued commitment to fulfilling its humanitarian and social responsibilities, alongside ongoing efforts to develop judicial work and enhance service efficiency. He commended the efforts of all donors, contributors, and participating entities in the success of the 2026 Debtors’ Campaign.