The Parliament has passed amendments to the Judges Act to strengthen the administration and accountability of the judiciary.

The Government-proposed amendments introduce a comprehensive framework to enhance judicial integrity, including a detailed code of conduct for judges to safeguard judicial independence and credibility. The revisions outline stricter regulations governing judges’ performance, financial transparency, and engagement in external business activities.

Under the new provisions, judges are prohibited from engaging in any form of business or holding direct or indirect financial interests in transactions involving the State. The amendments also require judges to submit asset declarations within three months of assuming office and annually thereafter. Additionally, judges must file financial disclosures within three months of resignation.

The bill further refines procedures for transferring judges between courts and temporarily assigning judicial duties. It also introduces new accountability measures, requiring notification to both the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service Commission if a case remains undecided for more than one year.