Kuwait Hikes Court Fees to Deter Frivolous Lawsuits, Introduces Stricter Penalties for Exam Cheating

Dubai: In a major legal reform, Kuwait has increased judicial fees for the first time in decades, aiming to curb the growing number of frivolous and malicious lawsuits overwhelming the court system.

The decision, approved by the Cabinet last week, involves amendments to Law No. 17 of 1973, raising the cost of accessing the judiciary. The government stated that the revised fee structure is designed to promote more serious use of litigation and to encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration and conciliation.

The reforms were endorsed during the Cabinet’s regular weekly session, chaired by Sheikh Ahmed Al Abdullah.

In the same meeting, the Cabinet also approved additional amendments to the Penal Code, specifically targeting misconduct in Kuwait’s education system. The changes introduce two new articles – 259 bis and 259 bis A – with harsher penalties for exam-related offenses.

• Leaking, selling, or distributing examination materials could now result in up to five years in prison and fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars.
• Unauthorized tampering with student exam papers or grades could lead to up to seven years in prison and fines between 5,000 and 10,000 dinars.

These legal changes come amid an increase in exam-related violations, particularly during national testing periods. The government said the measures are part of broader efforts to protect the credibility of academic institutions and ensure fair and competitive educational standards.

In addition, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to national development priorities, pledging to expedite key infrastructure projects and eliminate regulatory obstacles that could delay their implementation.