JUDICIARY OF THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Table of Contents From the Office of the Chief Justice of Bhutan ...... 1 1. Background ...... 5 2. Felicitations ...... 6 3. Case Report, 2017 ...... 10 3.1. Case Statistics, 2017 ...... 10 3.2. Overall 2017 Case Statistics ...... ...... 12 3.3. Case Statistics Summary (2007-2017)...... ...... 13 3.4. Cases Registered and Decided...... ...... 14 3.5. Types of Cases Decided...... ...... 17 3.6. No. of Civil and Criminal Cases...... 28 3.7. Case Analysis...... 29 3.8. Statistics of Marriage Certificates and others...... 30 3.9. Revenue generated by the Judiciary in 2017...... ...... 33 4. Key Events, 2017 ...... 34 4.1. Inauguration and ground-breaking ceremonies ...... 34 Inauguration of Punakha Dzongkhag Court ...... 34 Visit of His Holiness the Je Khenpo at Punakha Dzongkhag Court ...... 34 Inauguration of Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag Court ...... 35 Inauguration of the Family and Child Bench of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court...... 35 Ground breaking for Sarpang Dzongkhag Court construction...... 36 Ground breaking for Haa Dzongkhag Court construction ...... 36 Ground breaking for Tashi Yangtse Dzongkhag Court construction ...... 36 Consecration of Drangpons' Residences ...... 37 Launch of the Government to Citizen (G2C) Judicial Services ...... 37 4.2. Appointment, Superannuation and Transfer ...... 38 Appointment of Supreme Court Drangpons ...... 38 Assignment of Benches to Drangpons of the Supreme Court ...... 38 Appointment of High Court Drangpons ...... 38 Orientation program for the new High Court Justices ...... 39 Appointment of Dzongkhag Drangpons ...... 39 Orientation for newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons ...... 39 Appointment of the Director General of the Bhutan National Legal Institute ...... 40 Appointment of Thrimdag of the Royal Court of Armed Forces...... 40 Appointment of Drangpon Rabjams ...... 41 Recitation of Kanjur at the Supreme Court...... 58 Appointment of Court Registrars ...... 41 Obituary ...... 59 Appointment of Sungkhorp of the Supreme Court ...... 42 Challenges...... 59 Superannuation ...... 42 1. Financial Dependency...... 59 Transfer of Dzongkhag Drangpons ...... 42 2. Human Resource Dependency...... 59 4.3. Conferences/Workshops ...... 43 ANNEXURE...... 59 Twenty-second National Judicial Conference ...... 43 Notifications and Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan...... 60 Case Management; Implementing the International Framework for Court Excellence; Judicial Ethics & Social Media, Specialty Courts and No Cost Legal Research ...... 43 Legal Reporting for the members of the Journalist Association of Bhutan (JAB) ...... 44 Legal Document Management and Archiving System ...... 44 4.4. Trainings ...... 45 Mediation (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Skills & Techniques...... 45 Child Court Procedure for Bench Clerks ...... 45 Child Court Procedure for Dungkhag Court Drangpons ...... 45 Judgment Drafting and Case Management System (CMS) ...... 46 4.4. Talks ...... 47 a. International Delegates ...... 47 Permanent Court of Arbitration: The Institution, and The PCA and International Dispute Settlement in Asia...... ...... 47 Biodiversity Protection: Legal and Policy Perspective and Environmental Law: A Global Perspective...... ...... 47 b) Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan ...... ...... 48 Reforms in Judiciary ...... ...... 48 Constitutionalism and Rule of Law ...... ...... 48 4.5. Visits by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan...... 49 a. International Visits ...... ...... 49 Second Southeast Asia Judicial Workshop on Cybercrime...... 49 World Conference on Environment 2017 ...... ...... 50 Fourteenth UN International Day of Vesak and the International Buddhist Conference on ‘Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace.' ...... 50 From the Office of the Chief Justice of Bhutan The Eastern Zone Regional Conference on Waste Disposal & Management ...... 51 Seventeenth Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific ...... 51 Fourteenth SAARCLAW Conference & the Eleventh SAARC Chief Justices’ Conference ...... 51 The International Conference on Environment ...... 52 4.3. Conferences/Workshops ...... 42 B. In-country visits ...... 52 Twenty-second National Judicial Conference ...... 42 Dzongkhag and Dungkhag courts ...... 52 Case Management; Implementing the International Framework for Court Excellence; Judicial Ethics 4.6. International Visit by Drangpons ...... 56 & Social Media, Specialty Courts and No Cost Legal Research ...... 42 4.7. Civil Service Award 2017 ...... 57 Legal Reporting for the members of the Journalist Association of Bhutan (JAB) ...... 43 Legal Document Management and Archiving System ...... 43 Recitation of Kanjur at the Supreme Court ...... 59 4.4. Trainings ...... 44 Obituary ...... 60 Mediation (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Skills & Techniques...... 44 Challenges ...... 60 Child Court Procedure for Bench Clerks ...... 44 1. Financial Dependency ...... 60 2. Human Resource Dependency Child Court Procedure for Dungkhag Court Drangpons...... 44 ...... ...... 60 ANNEXURE...... 60 Judgment Drafting and Case Management System (CMS) ...... 45 Notifications and Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan ...... 61 4.4. Talks...... 46 a. International Delegates...... 46 Permanent Court of Arbitration: The Institution, and The PCA and International Dispute Settlement in Asia...... 46 Biodiversity Protection: Legal and Policy Perspective and Environmental Law: A Global Perspective...... 46 b) Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan...... 47 Reforms in Judiciary...... 47 Constitutionalism and Rule of Law ...... 47 4.5. Visits by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan...... 48 a. International Visits...... 48 Second Southeast Asia Judicial Workshop on Cybercrime...... 48 World Conference on Environment 2017 ...... 49 Fourteenth UN International Day of Vesak and the International Buddhist Conference on ‘Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace.' ...... 49 The Eastern Zone Regional Conference on Waste Disposal & Management...... 50 Seventeenth Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific...... 50 Fourteenth SAARCLAW Conference & the Eleventh SAARC Chief Justices’ Conference...... 50 The International Conference on Environment...... 51 B. In-country visits...... 51 Dzongkhag and Dungkhag courts...... 51 4.6. International Visit by Drangpons...... 55 4.7. Civil Service Award 2017...... 56 Dzongkhag and Dungkhag courts...... 35 4.6. International Visit by Drangpons...... 39 4.7. Civil Service Award 2017...... 39 From the Office of the Chief Justice of Bhutan Recitation of Kanjur at the Supreme Court...... 41 Obituary ...... 42 Echoing the prophetic words of His Majesty the King, “Judiciary is a primary basis for protecting the sovereignty and security of our nation and to achieve the goals of Gross National Challenges...... 42 Happiness (GNH) to enhance the unity, happiness and well being of our people…”(Royal 1. Financial Dependency...... 42 Address during the 19th Annual Judicial Conference, 11th June 2010.) Correspondingly, His 2. Human Resource Dependency...... 42 Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo commanded,“… peace and happiness in a country depend on how properly, strongly and impartially the laws are governed”. ANNEXURE...... 43 Notifications and Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan...... 43 Judicial mandate apropos the Constitution, Article 21 Section 1 is to “safeguard, uphold, and administer Justice fairly and independently without fair, favor or undue delay in accordance with the Rule of Law to inspire trust and confidence and to enhance access to justice.” In obedience to the royal command of His Majesty for an efficient judicial system, the Judiciary of Bhutan continues to improve its performance for the achievement of human justice, social harmony and progress through human resource development and periodic reforms. Bhutan has been fortunate to have enlightened leaders who have tirelessly worked towards ensuring sustainable progress and securing a well-functioning and progressive society for our citizens. Under the guidance and visionary leadership of Their Majesties, the Judiciary has constantly strived to keep up with the rapidly changing needs of the society, in its effort towards achieving the core objectives of being accessible, fair, accountable, transparent, and timely in the administration of justice.
In the words of His Majesty the King: “Judiciary is the most important organ of the government followed by health services. Judges must keep in mind that access to justice must be easy, prompt and convenient for our poor citizens. Further, judges must try to provide speedy justice at a minimal cost of litigation.”–(Royal Address during the 19th Annual Judicial Conference, 11th June 2010). Over the last decades, the Judiciary has taken resolute steps, in so far as its resources and capacity allowed, to strengthen and put together a court system that emulates a modern and effective justice administration system which in effect, would serve as a pillar of strength and stability for our young democracy. In a democratic setting, it is important that individual judges and the judiciary as a whole are impartial and independent of all external pressures and of each other. Public trust and confidence that cases will be decided fairly and in accordance with the law, is very crucial as it stands for the efficacy of the justice system. To strengthen the judicial institution and provide better and efficient judicial services to the public, we must constantly undertake legal and judicial reforms as part of our overall development programs. The reforms undertaken by the Judiciary is not an end in itself, but a constructive stride towards ensuring a fair, just, and progressive society. Various judicial reforms initiated by the Judiciary has made judicial process more efficient, guaranteed due process to the litigants and ensured greater From the Office of the Chief Justice of Bhutan efficiency on the part of the courts. Consequently, the courts have become user friendly and the hearing process have improved making Judiciary more transparent. Echoing the prophetic words of His Majesty the King, “Judiciary is a primary basis for His Majesty commanded,“It is imperative to continue this tendency and you must take protecting the sovereignty and security of our nation and to achieve the goals of Gross National initiatives to provide strong legal education and awareness about our laws and legal system so Happiness (GNH) to enhance the unity, happiness and well being of our people…”(Royal that people understand everything in the right manner.”- (Royal Address during the 19th Annual Address during the 19th Annual Judicial Conference, 11th June 2010.) Correspondingly, His Judicial Conference, 11th June 2010.) His Majesty also commanded, “The Judiciary must aspire Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo commanded, “… peace and happiness in a country depend on to perpetuate the dissemination of information and share with our youth the national aims and objectives – sovereignty and security, peace and stability which form the core values of the how properly, strongly and impartially the laws are governed”. constitution”- (His Majesty’s Address at the 21st Annual Judicial Conference, 3rd July, 2014.)
Judicial mandate apropos the Constitution, Article 21 Section 1 is to “safeguard, uphold, and In the interests of both the Judiciary and the public at large, it is essential for the public to have a administer Justice fairly and independently without fair, favor or undue delay in accordance clearer insight apropos the judicial system. It is important for our people to know and understand with the Rule of Law to inspire trust and confidence and to enhance access to justice.” In the functioning and operations of the Judiciary and the legal system in general. Correspondingly, the public should also be aware of the problems and challenges faced by the judiciary and the obedience to the royal command of His Majesty for an efficient judicial system, the Judiciary of measures undertaken to overcome them. In the present time, courts are being called upon to Bhutan continues to improve its performance for the achievement of human justice, social deliver services against a backdrop of increasing caseload in the urban centres. The globalization harmony and progress through human resource development and periodic reforms. Bhutan has of the economy, social trends and other factors present new demands on judiciaries across the been fortunate to have enlightened leaders who have tirelessly worked towards ensuring globe. Nevertheless, advances in technology and communication offer opportunities to make sustainable progress and securing a well-functioning and progressive society for our citizens. justice more accessible, transparent and effective. This calls for balancing various objectives of the justice systems, given the scarcity of resources, and the competing demands for the limited Under the guidance and visionary leadership of Their Majesties, the Judiciary has constantly resource envelope available. Judiciary can play its part effectively when citizens have utmost strived to keep up with the rapidly changing needs of the society, in its effort towards achieving confidence in the integrity, independence and impartiality of judges, and in the fact that due the core objectives of being accessible, fair, accountable, transparent, and timely in the process is accorded to all who come before the courts. Public trust and confidence in the Justice administration of justice. System bolsters the authority of the Royal Courts of Justice. It is therefore vital for the Judiciary and every other law enforcement and public institution to be able to communicate to the public. In the words of His Majesty the King: “Judiciary is the most important organ of the government Dissemination of information on laws, justice system, roles, responsibilities and activities of the institution is vital to building the connection and confidence between the public and the judicial followed by health services. Judges must keep in mind that access to justice must be easy, prompt institution. Periodic reports and updates such as the Annual Judicial Report is thus one of the and convenient for our poor citizens. Further, judges must try to provide speedy justice at a means of providing the requisite information about activities, problems, and solutions taken by minimal cost of litigation.” –(Royal Address during the 19th Annual Judicial Conference, 11th the Judiciary. June 2010). Over the last decades, the Judiciary has taken resolute steps, in so far as its resources and capacity allowed, to strengthen and put together a court system that emulates a modern and The phrase “access to justice” has a particular resonance for us, for it is what each one of us seeks to provide or facilitate. A well-resourced and independent judiciary must perform many effective justice administration system which in effect, would serve as a pillar of strength and vital functions as well as administer justice to citizens without fear or favour, being the guardian stability for our young democracy. In a democratic setting, it is important that individual judges of the constitution and its final arbiter and protector of rights. Judiciary must therefore, be kept and the judiciary as a whole are impartial and independent of all external pressures and of each free from undue pressures and influences, staffed with competent judges, well trained and other. Public trust and confidence that cases will be decided fairly and in accordance with the imbued with qualities of independence, integrity, wisdom, competence and the right attitude law, is very crucial as it stands for the efficacy of the justice system. To strengthen the judicial which is critical for the survival of the rule of law towards ensuring a functional democracy. institution and provide better and efficient judicial services to the public, we must constantly In our continuous journey into the new age, we have an important task of leading and undertake legal and judicial reforms as part of our overall development programs. The reforms strengthening the justice system during this period of both challenges and ground breaking undertaken by the Judiciary is not an end in itself, but a constructive stride towards ensuring a opportunities. The Judiciary shall continue to explore the opportunities and challenges created by fair, just, and progressive society. Various judicial reforms initiated by the Judiciary has made a new age and strive to deliver services to our people efficiently and timely. In the words of His judicial process more efficient, guaranteed due process to the litigants and ensured greater Majesty the King, “a sound legal system is the basis of the nation’s independence, security, efficiency on the part of the courts. Consequently,1 the courts have become user friendly and the hearing process have improved making Judiciary more transparent.
His Majesty commanded, “It is imperative to continue this tendency and you must take initiatives to provide strong legal education and awareness about our laws and legal system so that people understand everything in the right manner.”-(Royal Address during the 19th Annual Judicial From the Office of the Chief Justice of Bhutan
Echoing the prophetic words of His Majesty the King, “Judiciary is a primary basis for protecting the sovereignty and security of our nation and to achieve the goals of Gross National Happiness (GNH) to enhance the unity, happiness and well being of our people…”(Royal Address during the 19th Annual Judicial Conference, 11th June 2010.) Correspondingly, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo commanded,“… peace and happiness in a country depend on how properly, strongly and impartially the laws are governed”.
Judicial mandate apropos the Constitution, Article 21 Section 1 is to “safeguard, uphold, and administer Justice fairly and independently without fair, favor or undue delay in accordance with the Rule of Law to inspire trust and confidence and to enhance access to justice.” In obedience to the royal command of His Majesty for an efficient judicial system, the Judiciary of Bhutan continues to improve its performance for the achievement of human justice, social harmony and progress through human resource development and periodic reforms. Bhutan has been fortunate to have enlightened leaders who have tirelessly worked towards ensuring sustainable progress and securing a well-functioning and progressive society for our citizens. Under the guidance and visionary leadership of Their Majesties, the Judiciary has constantly strived to keep up with the rapidly changing needs of the society, in its effort towards achieving the core objectives of being accessible, fair, accountable, transparent, and timely in the administration of justice.
In the words of His Majesty the King: “Judiciary is the most important organ of the government followed by health services. Judges must keep in mind that access to justice must be easy, prompt and convenient for our poor citizens. Further, judges must try to provide speedy justice at a minimal cost of litigation.”–(Royal Address during the 19th Annual Judicial Conference, 11th June 2010). Over the last decades, the Judiciary has taken resolute steps, in so far as its resources and capacity allowed, to strengthen and put together a court system that emulates a modern and effective justice administration system which in effect, would serve as a pillar of strength and stability for our young democracy. In a democratic setting, it is important that individual judges and the judiciary as a whole are impartial and independent of all external pressures and of each other. Public trust and confidence that cases will be decided fairly and in accordance with the law, is very crucial as it stands for the efficacy of the justice system. To strengthen the judicial institution and provide better and efficient judicial services to the public, we must constantly undertake legal and judicial reforms as part of our overall development programs. The reforms undertaken by the Judiciary is not an end in itself, but a constructive stride towards ensuring a fair, just, and progressive society. Various judicial reforms initiated by the Judiciary has made judicial process more efficient, guaranteed due process to the litigants and ensured greater efficiency on the part of the courts. Consequently, the courts have become user friendly and the hearing process have improved making Judiciary more transparent. His Majesty commanded,“It is imperative to continue this tendency and you must take initiatives to provide strong legal education and awareness about our laws and legal system so that people understand everything in the right manner.”- (Royal Address during the 19th Annual Judicial Conference, 11th June 2010.) His Majesty also commanded, “The Judiciary must aspire to perpetuate the dissemination of information and share with our youth the national aims and objectives – sovereignty and security, peace and stability which form the core values of the constitution”- (His Majesty’s Address at the 21st Annual Judicial Conference, 3rd July, 2014.)
In the interests of both the Judiciary and the public at large, it is essential for the public to have a clearer insight apropos the judicial system. It is important for our people to know and understand the functioning and operations of the Judiciary and the legal system in general. Correspondingly, the public should also be aware of the problems and challenges faced by the judiciary and the measures undertaken to overcome them. In the present time, courts are being called upon to deliver services against a backdrop of increasing caseload in the urban centres. The globalization of the economy, social trends and other factors present new demands on judiciaries across the globe. Nevertheless, advances in technology and communication offer opportunities to make justice more accessible, transparent and effective. This calls for balancing various objectives of the justice systems, given the scarcity of resources, and the competing demands for the limited resource envelope available. Judiciary can play its part effectively when citizens have utmost confidence in the integrity, independence and impartiality of judges, and in the fact that due process is accorded to all who come before the courts. Public trust and confidence in the Justice System bolsters the authority of the Royal Courts of Justice. It is therefore vital for the Judiciary and every other law enforcement and public institution to be able to communicate to the public. Dissemination of information on laws, justice system, roles, responsibilities and activities of the institution is vital to building the connection and confidence between the public and the judicial institution. Periodic reports and updates such as the Annual Judicial Report is thus one of the means of providing the requisite information about activities, problems, and solutions taken by the Judiciary.
The phrase “access to justice” has a particular resonance for us, for it is what each one of us seeks to provide or facilitate. A well-resourced and independent judiciary must perform many vital functions as well as administer justice to citizens without fear or favour, being the guardian of the constitution and its final arbiter and protector of rights. Judiciary must therefore, be kept free from undue pressures and influences, staffed with competent judges, well trained and imbued with qualities of independence, integrity, wisdom, competence and the right attitude which is critical for the survival of the rule of law towards ensuring a functional democracy.
In our continuous journey into the new age, we have an important task of leading and strengthening the justice system during this period of both challenges and ground breaking opportunities. The Judiciary shall continue to explore the opportunities and challenges created by a new age and strive to deliver services to our people efficiently and timely. In the words of His Majesty the King, “a sound legal system is the basis of the nation’s independence, security, 1 2 Conference, 11th June 2010.) His Majesty also commanded, “The Judiciary must aspire to perpetuate the dissemination of information and share with our youth the national aims and objectives – sovereignty and security, peace and stability which form the core values of the constitution”- (His Majesty’s Address at the 21st Annual Judicial Conference, 3rd July, 2014.)
In the interests of both the Judiciary and the public at large, it is essential for the public to have a clearer insight apropos the judicial system. It is important for our people to know and understand the functioning and operations of the Judiciary and the legal system in general. Correspondingly, the public should also be aware of the problems and challenges faced by the judiciary and the measures undertaken to overcome them. In the present time, courts are being called upon to deliver services against a backdrop of increasing caseload in the urban centres. The globalization of the economy, social trends and other factors present new demands on judiciaries across the globe. Nevertheless, advances in technology and communication offer opportunities to make justice more accessible, transparent and effective. This calls for balancing various objectives of the justice systems, given the scarcity of resources, and the competing demands for the limited resource envelope available. Judiciary can play its part effectively when citizens have utmost confidence in the integrity, independence and impartiality of judges, and in the fact that due process is accorded to all who come before the courts. Public trust and confidence in the Justice System bolsters the authority of the Royal Courts of Justice. It is therefore vital for the Judiciary and every other law enforcement and public institution to be able to communicate to the public. Dissemination of information on laws, justice system, roles, responsibilities and activities of the institution is vital to building the connection and confidence between the public and the judicial institution. Periodic reports and updates such as the Annual Judicial Report is thus one of the means of providing the requisite information about activities, problems, and solutions taken by the Judiciary.
The phrase “access to justice” has a particular resonance for us, for it is what each one of us seeks to provide or facilitate. A well-resourced and independent judiciary must perform many vital functions as well as administer justice to citizens without fear or favour, being the guardian of the constitution and its final arbiter and protector of rights. Judiciary must therefore, be kept free from undue pressures and influences, staffed with competent judges, well trained and imbued with qualities of independence, integrity, wisdom, competence and the right attitude which is critical for the survival of the rule of law towards ensuring a functional democracy.
In our continuous journey into the new age, we have an important task of leading and strengthening the justice system during this period of both challenges and ground breaking opportunities. The Judiciary shall continue to explore the opportunities and challenges created by a new age and strive to deliver services to our people efficiently and timely. In the words of His Majesty the King, “a sound legal system is the basis of the nation’s independence, security, GNH and protector of the people’s rights and freedoms which must ensure the creation of a fair and just society.” We must therefore, always contribute towards strengthening our justice system, and enhance public confidence and adherence to the rule of law. Every Bhutanese must in our path to progress. However, we must be mindful that such changes and progress should not have absolute and uncompromising respect for the Rule of law. His Majesty the Fourth Druk in any way be at the cost of our national identity and heritage. Our people, particularly our youth, Gyalpo proclaimed:“Democracy needs rule of law… and Rule of Law is impartial service to the should shoulder the responsibility of strengthening every aspect of our country’s heritage and people ...” To strengthen the value of the democratic society and the need to respect one’s right national identity. As such, preserving our age old traditions and adhering to driglam namzha as well as others’ right, ensuring supremacy of the ‘rule of law’ that embodies the basic (code of etiquette) is instrumental in upholding the country’s identity, uniqueness and principles of equal treatment of all people before the law, justice, fairness in the application of inimitability. laws, accountability to the law, separation of powers, legal certainty, procedural and decision making transparency, and the constitutional guarantees of basic human rights is particularly Having a strong sense of national identity is important. His Majesty the King has always stressed fundamental. Under the principle, there is a single body of law applicable to all members of the on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, upholding the sovereignty of the nation and society- a body of law applicable to those who govern as well as those who are governed. All handing over a better nation to the future generation. Therefore, it is important to have a strong persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to sense of national identity, the assurance of single national identity. laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated.
It has almost been a decade since our nation ushered in democratic values and principles. Following the transition from monarchy to a constitutional democratic monarchy, democracy has been flourishing, primarily due to our Druk Gyalpos’ noble vision and commitment of promoting people's participation in the decision making process, the collective will of our populace to implement the rule of law and uphold justice, and our common aspiration of further strengthening our country’s stability and sovereignty. Our Monarchs have always placed complete trust in each and every one of us to make the best choices for our own and our nation’s interest. Their Majesties have always maintained that the “destiny of our country lies in the hands of our people,” and with the adoption of our Constitution, Their Majesties with utmost trust and benevolence have handed over this quaint and special country in the hands of our people. His Majesty at the Inaugural Ceremony of the 7th Session of the First Parliament commanded, “As we move forward, we must be guided by the most sacred and unchanging national goals – the security and sovereignty of our Nation and the peace, unity and harmony of our People. Today, as I have said before, our immediate and foremost duty is the success of democracy. That is our foundation for the future success of Bhutan. But democracy can only flourish if all Bhutanese uphold the rule of law; if there is good governance; if corruption is eradicated and if the delivery of public services is fair and effective.”
As 2018 witnesses yet another important milestone viz. third Parliamentary election, we look forward to an engaged public – participating in the elections intelligently and consciously exercising their rights as voters without apathy. An inclusive democracy demands the participation of the people – there is need for an engaged public who must exercise vigilance and engage in the election process intelligently and whole heartedly. Public vigilance must serve as an unyielding guidance in our quest to uphold the rule of law and rendering of equal justice. We must also be aware of the key challenges facing the nation and must find means of dealing with the issues effectively. It is imperative to have clarity in our policies, laws, strategies and above 1. Background all we must ensure its effective and efficient implementation. We must serve the nation with The Judiciary of Bhutan is one of the three indispensable organs of the government. An old purity of thought, clear intent and single minded dedication and must ensure progress with cliché hat, ‘As the King is to His subjects; the subjects aspire for peace and the basis for peace is Bhutanese values and traditions being the essence of any change. In an increasingly globalised the ‘Rule of law’. In pursuit of peace and tranquility, the three organs of the government run world, the undercurrents of modernity and evolution will demand incorporation of new thoughts
3 in our path to progress. However, we must be mindful that such changes and progress should not have absolute and uncompromising respect for the Rule of law. His Majesty the Fourth Druk in any way be at the cost of our national identity and heritage. Our people, particularly our youth, Gyalpo proclaimed:“Democracy needs rule of law… and Rule of Law is impartial service to the should shoulder the responsibility of strengthening every aspect of our country’s heritage and people ...” To strengthen the value of the democratic society and the need to respect one’s right national identity. As such, preserving our age old traditions and adhering to driglam namzha as well as others’ right, ensuring supremacy of the ‘rule of law’ that embodies the basic (code of etiquette) is instrumental in upholding the country’s identity, uniqueness and principles of equal treatment of all people before the law, justice, fairness in the application of inimitability. laws, accountability to the law, separation of powers, legal certainty, procedural and decision making transparency, and the constitutional guarantees of basic human rights is particularly Having a strong sense of national identity is important. His Majesty the King has always stressed fundamental. Under the principle, there is a single body of law applicable to all members of the on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, upholding the sovereignty of the nation and society- a body of law applicable to those who govern as well as those who are governed. All handing over a better nation to the future generation. Therefore, it is important to have a strong persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to sense of national identity, the assurance of single national identity. laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated.
It has almost been a decade since our nation ushered in democratic values and principles. Following the transition from monarchy to a constitutional democratic monarchy, democracy has been flourishing, primarily due to our Druk Gyalpos’ noble vision and commitment of promoting people's participation in the decision making process, the collective will of our populace to implement the rule of law and uphold justice, and our common aspiration of further strengthening our country’s stability and sovereignty. Our Monarchs have always placed complete trust in each and every one of us to make the best choices for our own and our nation’s interest. Their Majesties have always maintained that the “destiny of our country lies in the hands of our people,” and with the adoption of our Constitution, Their Majesties with utmost trust and benevolence have handed over this quaint and special country in the hands of our people. His Majesty at the Inaugural Ceremony of the 7th Session of the First Parliament commanded, “As we move forward, we must be guided by the most sacred and unchanging national goals – the security and sovereignty of our Nation and the peace, unity and harmony of our People. Today, as I have said before, our immediate and foremost duty is the success of democracy. That is our foundation for the future success of Bhutan. But democracy can only Scanned by CamScanner flourish if all Bhutanese uphold the rule of law; if there is good governance; if corruption is eradicated and if the delivery of public services is fair and effective.”
As 2018 witnesses yet another important milestone viz. third Parliamentary election, we look forward to an engaged public – participating in the elections intelligently and consciously exercising their rights as voters without apathy. An inclusive democracy demands the participation of the people – there is need for an engaged public who must exercise vigilance and engage in the election process intelligently and whole heartedly. Public vigilance must serve as an unyielding guidance in our quest to uphold the rule of law and rendering of equal justice. We must also be aware of the key challenges facing the nation and must find means of dealing with the issues effectively. It is imperative to have clarity in our policies, laws, strategies and above 1. Background all we must ensure its effective and efficient implementation. We must serve the nation with The Judiciary of Bhutan is one of the three indispensable organs of the government. An old purity of thought, clear intent and single minded dedication and must ensure progress with cliché hat, ‘As the King is to His subjects; the subjects aspire for peace and the basis for peace is Bhutanese values and traditions being the essence of any change. In an increasingly globalised the ‘Rule of law’. In pursuit of peace and tranquility, the three organs of the government run world, the undercurrents of modernity and evolution will demand incorporation of new thoughts
3 4 independent of each other. Judiciary ensures justice in the interest of maintaining peace and tranquility. It is the custodian of the Rule of Law and is responsible for the conduct of the just society.
The Constitution of Bhutan under Article 21(1) requires the Judiciary to ‘‘safeguard, uphold, and administer Justice fairly and independently without fear, favour, or undue delay in accordance with the Rule of Law to inspire trust and confidence and to enhance access to justice.’’ Similarly, Article 21(2) of the Constitution states that ‘‘The judicial authority of Bhutan shall be vested in the Royal Courts of Justice comprising the Supreme Court, the High Court, the Dzongkhag Court, the Dungkhag Court and such other Courts and Tribunals as may be established from time to time by the Druk Gyalpo on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission.’’
The Judiciary is the common platform where the aggrieved parties take recourse to seek their remedies. It is, thus, mandated to deliver justice in a fair, impartial, and independent manner. With an unprecedented rate of socio-economic and socio-cultural changes in the country, the Judiciary of Bhutan today is required to act over a number of fundamental goals and aspirations of the Bhutanese people. The Judiciary must therefore garner public trust, confidence and respect.
This Annual Report of 2017 intends to provide an overview of the activities undertaken by the Judiciary for the last one year. It not only enables the public to access the main events that occurred during the last one year but also attaches importance to the dedicated and selfless services rendered by our Drangpons by exhibiting case statistics for 2017.
1. Background 2. Felicitations
The Judiciary of Bhutan is one of the three indispensable organs of the government. An old adage that, ‘As the King is to His subjects; the subjects aspire for peace and the basis for peace is the ‘Rule of law’. In pursuit of peace and tranquility, the three organs of the government run independent of each other. Judiciary ensures justice in the interest of maintaining peace and tranquility. It is the custodian of the Rule of Law and is responsible for the conduct of the just society.
The Constitution of Bhutan under Article 21(1) requires the Judiciary to ‘‘safeguard, uphold, and administer Justice fairly and independently without fear, favour, or undue delay in accordance with the Rule of Law to inspire trust and confidence and to enhance access to justice.’’ Similarly, Article 21(2) of the Constitution states that ‘‘The judicial authority of Bhutan shall be vested in the Royal Courts of Justice comprising the Supreme Court, the High Court, the Dzongkhag Court, the Dungkhag Court and such other Courts and Tribunals as may be established from time to time by the Druk Gyalpo on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission.’’
The Judiciary is the common platform where the aggrieved parties take recourse to seek their remedies. It is, thus, mandated to deliver justice in a fair, impartial, and independent manner. With an unprecedented rate of socio-economic and socio-cultural changes in the country, the Judiciary of Bhutan today is required to act over a number of fundamental goals and aspirations of the Bhutanese people. The Judiciary must therefore garner public trust, confidence and respect.
This Annual Report of 2017 intends to provide an overview of the activities undertaken by the Judiciary for the last one year. It not only enables the public to access the main events that occurred during the last one year but also attaches importance to the dedicated and selfless services rendered by the Judiciary by exhibiting case statistics for 2017.
5 6 independent of each other. Judiciary ensures justice in the interest of maintaining peace and tranquility. It is the custodian of the Rule of Law and is responsible for the conduct of the just society.
The Constitution of Bhutan under Article 21(1) requires the Judiciary to ‘‘safeguard, uphold, and administer Justice fairly and independently without fear, favour, or undue delay in accordance with the Rule of Law to inspire trust and confidence and to enhance access to justice.’’ Similarly, Article 21(2) of the Constitution states that ‘‘The judicial authority of Bhutan shall be vested in the Royal Courts of Justice comprising the Supreme Court, the High Court, the Dzongkhag Court, the Dungkhag Court and such other Courts and Tribunals as may be established from time to time by the Druk Gyalpo on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission.’’
The Judiciary is the common platform where the aggrieved parties take recourse to seek their remedies. It is, thus, mandated to deliver justice in a fair, impartial, and independent manner. With an unprecedented rate of socio-economic and socio-cultural changes in the country, the Judiciary of Bhutan today is required to act over a number of fundamental goals and aspirations of the Bhutanese people. The Judiciary must therefore garner public trust, confidence and respect.
This Annual Report of 2017 intends to provide an overview of the activities undertaken by the Judiciary for the last one year. It not only enables the public to access the main events that occurred during the last one year but also attaches importance to the dedicated and selfless services rendered by our Drangpons by exhibiting case statistics for 2017.
1. Background 2. Felicitations
The Judiciary of Bhutan is one of the three indispensable organs of the government. An old adage that, ‘As the King is to His subjects; the subjects aspire for peace and the basis for peace is the ‘Rule of law’. In pursuit of peace and tranquility, the three organs of the government run independent of each other. Judiciary ensures justice in the interest of maintaining peace and tranquility. It is the custodian of the Rule of Law and is responsible for the conduct of the just society.
The Constitution of Bhutan under Article 21(1) requires the Judiciary to ‘‘safeguard, uphold, and administer Justice fairly and independently without fear, favour, or undue delay in accordance with the Rule of Law to inspire trust and confidence and to enhance access to justice.’’ Similarly, Article 21(2) of the Constitution states that ‘‘The judicial authority of Bhutan shall be vested in the Royal Courts of Justice comprising the Supreme Court, the High Court, the Dzongkhag Court, the Dungkhag Court and such other Courts and Tribunals as may be established from time to time by the Druk Gyalpo on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission.’’
The Judiciary is the common platform where the aggrieved parties take recourse to seek their remedies. It is, thus, mandated to deliver justice in a fair, impartial, and independent manner. With an unprecedented rate of socio-economic and socio-cultural changes in the country, the Judiciary of Bhutan today is required to act over a number of fundamental goals and aspirations of the Bhutanese people. The Judiciary must therefore garner public trust, confidence and respect.
This Annual Report of 2017 intends to provide an overview of the activities undertaken by the Judiciary for the last one year. It not only enables the public to access the main events that occurred during the last one year but also attaches importance to the dedicated and selfless services rendered by the Judiciary by exhibiting case statistics for 2017.
6 7 8 8 9
3. Case Report, 2017
3.1. Case Statistics, 2017
3.2. General Trend of Cases from 2007 to 2017
3.3. Case Statistics of the High Court
3.4. Case Statistics of the Supreme Court
3.5. Marriage Certificates statistics 2017 9
3. Case Report, 2017
3.1. Case Statistics, 2017
3.2. General Trend of Cases from 2007 to 2017
3.3. Case Statistics of the High Court
3.4. Case Statistics of the SupremeStatistics Court on the Institution, Disposal and Pendency of cases in the courts of the Kingdom of Bhutan Dec 31, 2017, 5:41 PM Miscellaneous Opening Appeal To Appeal To High Appeal To Supreme Pending Cases beyound 3.5. Marriage Certificates statistics 2017 Registered Decided Pending Sl.No Court Bench Hearing Balance Dzongkhag Court Court 12 Months 1 Bumthang 420 37 232 216 53 0 24 0 1 2 Chukha 637 48 243 236 55 0 50 0 0 3 Dagana 504 62 248 275 35 0 2 0 2 4 Gasa 105 2 29 28 3 0 0 0 1 5 Haa 368 46 116 153 9 0 22 0 0 Larger Bench 0 4 1 3 0 10 Bench I 28 156 132 52 0 0 36 1 High Court 1176 Bench II 26 150 128 59 0 0 37 3 6 Bench III 0 87 16 71 0 0 0 7 Lhuentse 391 10 101 97 14 0 4 0 0 8 Mongar 681 95 240 250 85 0 19 0 0 Bench I 77 240 161 156 0 13 0 19 Paro 1679 9 Bench II 81 302 276 107 0 23 0 4 10 Pema atshel 331 7 133 106 31 0 5 0 0 11 Punakha 1231 76 370 338 108 0 15 0 0 12 Samdrup ongkhar 485 22 192 202 12 0 9 0 1 13 Samtse 753 10 283 242 59 0 10 0 2 14 Sarpang 393 25 144 126 43 0 10 0 2 Langchen 19 5 8 10 3 0 0 0 0 Tachog 19 8 11 15 4 0 0 0 3 15 Supreme Court Maja 20 2 9 7 4 0 0 0 0 Khading 22 7 12 13 6 0 0 0 1 Criminal ench 55 243 167 131 0 11 0 6 amily and Child ench 94 458 465 87 0 18 0 4 Thimphu Commercial ench 5671 102 468 354 216 0 12 0 29 Criminal ench 84 243 179 148 0 13 0 23 16 Civil ench 112 358 237 233 0 24 0 26 17 Trashigang 542 25 206 217 14 0 15 0 0 18 Trashiyangtse Bench I 273 19 76 86 9 0 8 0 0 19 Trongsa Bench I 362 37 107 101 43 0 0 0 6 20 Tsirang Bench I 329 5 139 100 44 0 2 0 0 21 Wangdiphodrang Bench I 1328 45 409 372 82 0 33 0 2 22 Zhemgang Bench I 209 21 53 50 24 0 1 0 1 23 Dorokha Bench I 191 9 66 33 42 0 0 0 3 24 Gelephu Bench I 821 47 262 241 68 14 0 0 1 25 Jomotshangkha Bench I 81 7 24 22 9 3 0 0 0 26 Lhamoy Zinkha Bench I 280 5 64 57 12 5 0 0 0 27 Lingzhi Bench I 38 5 10 11 4 2 0 0 0 28 Nganglam Bench I 416 18 141 154 5 8 0 0 0 29 Panbang Bench I 128 28 60 69 19 1 0 0 7 Bench I 94 406 404 94 23 0 0 25 Phuentsholing 2048 30 Bench II 98 277 287 85 25 0 0 21 31 Sakteng Bench I 69 5 28 27 6 0 0 0 0 32 Samdrupcholing Bench I 160 3 54 54 3 3 0 0 0 33 Sibsoo Bench I 326 11 93 87 17 3 0 0 0 34 Sombeykha Bench I 107 6 52 56 2 3 0 0 0 35 Thrimshing Bench I 103 5 35 37 3 1 0 0 0 36 Wamrong Bench I 117 9 42 44 6 1 0 0 0 37 Weringla Bench I 35 3 16 18 1 1 0 0 0 Total 22868 1626 7700 6957 2379 93 343 73 194
Dec 31, 2017, 5:41 PM Statistics on the Institution, Disposal and Pendency of cases in the courts of the Kingdom of Bhutan Dec 31, 2017, 5:41 PM Miscellaneous Opening Appeal To Appeal To High Appeal To Supreme Pending Cases beyound Court Bench Registered Decided Pending Sl.No Hearing Balance Dzongkhag Court Court 12 Months 1 Bumthang Bench I 420 37 232 216 53 0 24 0 1 2 Chukha Bench I 637 48 243 236 55 0 50 0 0 3 Dagana Bench I 504 62 248 275 35 0 2 0 2 4 Gasa Bench I 105 2 29 28 3 0 0 0 1 5 Haa Bench I 368 46 116 153 9 0 22 0 0 Larger Bench 0 4 1 3 0 Bench I 28 156 132 52 0 0 36 1 High Court 1176 Bench II 26 150 128 59 0 0 37 3 6 Bench III 0 87 16 71 0 0 0 7 Lhuentse Bench I 391 10 101 97 14 0 4 0 0 8 Mongar Bench I 681 95 240 250 85 0 19 0 0 Bench I 77 240 161 156 0 13 0 19 Paro 1679 9 Bench II 81 302 276 107 0 23 0 4 10 Pemagatshel Bench I 331 7 133 106 31 0 5 0 0 11 Punakha Bench I 1231 76 370 338 108 0 15 0 0 12 Samdrupjongkhar Bench I 485 22 192 202 12 0 9 0 1 13 Samtse Bench I 753 10 283 242 59 0 10 0 2 14 Sarpang Bench I 393 25 144 126 43 0 10 0 2 Langchen 19 5 8 10 3 0 0 0 0 Tachog 19 8 11 15 4 0 0 0 3 15 Supreme Court Maja 20 2 9 7 4 0 0 0 0 Khading 22 7 12 13 6 0 0 0 1 Bench I 55 243 167 131 0 11 0 6 Bench II 94 458 465 87 0 18 0 4 Thimphu Bench III 5671 102 468 354 216 0 12 0 29 Bench IV 84 243 179 148 0 13 0 23 16 V 112 358 237 233 0 24 0 26 17 Trashigang 542 25 206 217 14 0 15 0 0 18 Trashi angtse 273 19 76 86 9 0 8 0 0 19 Trongsa 362 37 107 101 43 0 0 0 6 20 Tsirang 329 5 139 100 44 0 2 0 0 21 Wangdue hodrang 1328 45 409 372 82 0 33 0 2 22 Zhemgang 209 21 53 50 24 0 1 0 1 23 Dorokha 191 9 66 33 42 0 0 0 3 24 Gelephu 821 47 262 241 68 14 0 0 1 25 Jomotshangkha 81 7 24 22 9 3 0 0 0 26 Lhamoi ingkha 280 5 64 57 12 5 0 0 0 27 Lingzhi 38 5 10 11 4 2 0 0 0 28 Nganglam 416 18 141 154 5 8 0 0 0 29 Panbang 128 28 60 69 19 1 0 0 7 Bench I 94 406 404 94 23 0 0 25 Phuentsholing 2048 30 Bench II 98 277 287 85 25 0 0 21 31 Sakteng 69 5 28 27 6 0 0 0 0 32 Samdrupcholing 160 3 54 54 3 3 0 0 0 33 Tashichhoeling 326 11 93 87 17 3 0 0 0 34 Sombeykha 107 6 52 56 2 3 0 0 0 11 35 Thrimshing 103 5 35 37 3 1 0 0 0 36 Wamrong 117 9 42 44 6 1 0 0 0 37 Weringla 35 3 16 18 1 1 0 0 0 Total 22868 1626 7700 6957 2379 93 343 73 194
Dec 31, 2017, 5:41 PM 12 3.2. Overall 2017 Case Statistics Appeal to Appeal to Pending Miscellaneous Opening Appeal to High Supreme beyond 12 Hearing Balance Registered Decided Pending Dzongkhag Court Court months 22868 1626 7700 6957 2379 93 343 73 194
25000 22868
20000
7700 15000 6957 12
10000
2379 5000 1626 93 343 73 194 0 3.3.Case Statistics Summary 2007 to 2017 Details 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Case Registered 11342 8732 10007 12245 13215 13783 19653 2019618720 7910 7700 Case Decided 11501 9388 9713 12518 13637 13926 19304 20243 18523 77836957 Total Case 0 1689 1228 1054 1403 1355 1516 1622 2379 Pending Cases pending 4 29 140 93 26 68 28 46 83 194 beyond 12 months 13 3.4. Cases Registered and Decided Sl.NO. Court Registered Decided 1Bumthang 232 216 2Chukha 243 236 3Dagana 248 275 4Gasa 29 28 5Haa 116 153 6High Court 397 277 7Lhuentse 101 97 8Mongar 240 250 9Paro 542 437 10Pema Gatshel 133 106 11 Punakha 370 338 12Samdrup Jongkhar 192 202 13Samtse 283 242 14Sarpang 144 126 15Supreme Court 40 45 16Thimphu 1770 1402 17Trashigang 206 217 18Trashi Yangtse 76 86 19Trongsa 107 101 20Tsirang 139 100 21Wangdue Phodrang 409 372 22Zhemgang 53 50 23Dorokha 66 33 24Gelephu 262 241 25Jomotshangkha 24 22 26Lhamoizingkha 64 57 27Lingzhi 10 11 28Nganglam 141 154 29Panbang 60 69 30Phuentsholing 683 691 31Sakteng 28 27 32Samdrupcholing 54 54 33Tashichhoeling 93 87 34Sombeykha 52 56 35Thrimshing 35 37 36Wamrong 42 44 37Weringla 16 18
13 14 2000
1770 1800
1600
1400 1402
1200
1000
15 Registered Cases
800 Decided Cases
600 542
397 409 370 400 437 372 283 232 243 248 240 338 242 277 206 250 192 200 133 202 144 217 139 216 236 275 116 126 107 76 100 101 40 53 29 153 106 28 97 86 101 50 0 45
Dzongkhag Court Registered and Decided Case 15
800
683 700 691
600
500
400
Registered Cases 300 262 Decided Cases
16 241 200 141 154 93 100 66 64 60 87 69 54 52 42 33 24 57 28 54 56 35 44 10 27 37 16 18 22 11 0
Tashichhoeling
Dungkhag Court Registered and Decided Cases 3.5. Types of Cases Decided
Court Cases Bumthang 5 4 2 1 2 4 1 Land 5 4 44 2 90 6 Chukha 5 1 1 1 Drugs and related 82 1 3 Inheritance 3 Land 5 3 21 54 1 1 24 2 3 Dagana 5 1 1 1 Inheritance 2 Land 7 3 42 1 99
17 Gasa 1 1 2 Land 1 1 6 8 Haa 3 1 1 Inheritance 3 Land 5 21 4 73 1 13 1 3 7 Drugs and related 9 17 1 False Claims 3 1 3 2 Inheritance 27 Land 44 5 33 3 108 1 1 15 7 2 3
17 18 Lhuentse 7 1 1 Inheritance 1 Land 1 3 23 42 1 1 2 1 1 1 6 1 1 False Claims 1 1 1 Inheritance 4 Land 5 6 55 2 65 7 2 G 4 2 Inheritance 3 Land 8 1 20 87 1 1
19 20 1 10 6 1 14 4 Drugs and related 2 4 2 2 Inheritance 6 Land 31 13 67 194 1 1 1 5 1 27 4 1 1 Drugs and related 10 1 3 1 Inheritance 5 Land 10 14 105 2 148 3 3 1 3 8 1
20 J 1 2 Drugs and related 5 Inheritance 4 Land 10 50 121 15 2 Drugs and related 17 1 1 5 2 Inheritance 3 Land 13 10 50 1 138 1 1 1 5 2 Land 16 3 1 Inheritance 7 1 16 1 2 1 3 Drugs and related 4 2 1 Inheritance 6 Land 10 2 55
21 1 2 Drugs and related 5 Inheritance 4 Land 10 50 121 15 2 Drugs and related 17 1 1 5 2 Inheritance 3 Land 13 10 50 1 138 1 1 1 5 2 Land 16 3 1 Inheritance 7 1 16 1 2 1 3 Drugs and related 4 2 1 Inheritance 6 Land 10 2 55 10 86 1 3 1 1 2 7 2 Inheritance 2 Land 5 4 21 34 2 1 2 136 1 20 2 4 Drugs and related 27 1 9 4 5 Inheritance 1 Land 10 95 286 541 11 4 7 1 4 1 5
21 22 4 Drugs and related 1 Land 3 7 29 60 1 1 1 1 9 1 1 2 Inheritance 6 Land 9 1 40 64 2 3 42 3 1 5 Drugs and related 3 2 2 1 Inheritance 11 Land 9 10 159 6 172 2 1 3 3 1 5 1 5 1 23 24 Zhemgang 6 Inheritance 1 Land 4 2 11 24 1 4 1 1 13 1 11 27 3 5 2 Drugs and related 21 1 4 Inheritance 8 Land 15 10 52 1 97 1 1 2 2 4 3 1 1 2 Drugs and related 1 Inheritance 1 12 4 5 1
24 6 2 Land 2 3 10 41 1 2 4 1 5 3 2 9 1 1 23 Inheritance 2 Land 20 1 1 65 1 1 2 1 1 21 47 5 1 Drugs and related 51 1 1 2 1 Inheritance 5 Land 37 48 79 1 225
25 26 6 2 Land 2 3 10 41 1 2 4 1 5 3 2 9 1 1 23 Inheritance 2 Land 20 1 1 65 1 1 2 1 1 21 47 5 1 Drugs and related 51 1 1 2 1 Inheritance 5 Land 37 48 79 1 225 1 1 5 5 4 4 4 11 1 1 5 1 Inheritance 1 7 36 1 Inheritance 4 Land 2 10 38 5 2 Inheritance 1 1 7 9 3 1 1 Land 7 1 18 35 1 1 1 1 2 Inheritance 1 Land 1 6 46 1 26 2 3 1 9 18 1 2 2 1 Drugs and related 3 1 1 Land 1 16 1 12 1 1 1 2 9 1 6 2 Drugs and related 4 1 Inheritance 3 Land 3 6 17 73 2 7 1
27 3.6. No. of Civil and Criminal Cases
1403
Civil Criminal 4897
Civil 4897 Criminal 1403
27 28 s s s
2017 1626 2016 7700 1770 542 409 1402 437 372
683 262 141 691 241 154
6957 93 343 73 2361 194
s s
4897 2017 2936 10 1403 407 1
s s s
2017 343 54 2016 277 277 16 3 4 180 62 9 2 1 185 4
s s s
2017 73 45 8 20 21 2016 2017 41 24 8 13 3 17
29 30 29
3.8. Statistics of Marriage Certifcates and others 2017
Sl.noCourt MC MC Non MC s Lost s Organ s s s Status s s s s
1 Bumthang 111 0 1 1 0 2 0 8 0 0 0 0 1 0 124
2 Chukha 77 0 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 85
3 Dagana 99 0 2 2 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 107
4 Gasa 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 28
5 Haa 93 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 101
6 Lhuentse 120 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 0 131 30
7 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 8 0 70
8 357 2 0 10 0 8 0 3 0 1 0 0 4 0 385
9 55 0 2 0 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 66
10 198 0 6 1 0 0 0 11 0 2 0 0 5 0 223
11 106 1 2 2 5 8 0 12 0 1 0 0 3 0 140 12 244 6 8 14 1 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 282
13 68 2 1 3 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 84
14 1405 14 1091 44 13 4563 9 74 64 4 5 0 0 2 7288
15 89 2 4 4 0 6 0 20 0 0 0 0 1 0 126 15 89 2 4 4 0 6 0 20 0 0 0 0 1 0 126
16 67 2 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 79
17 86 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 91
18 73 0 1 2 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 3 0 90
19 252 0 0 1 0 2 0 26 0 1 0 0 3 0 285 20 Zhemgang 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31
21 74 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75
22 124 0 20 7 0 3 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 162
23 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 16 31
24 63 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 69
25 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11
26 91 0 8 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 106
27 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 27
28 361 0 15 9 0 7 0 13 0 0 0 1 4 0 410
29 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8
30 62 0 6 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 70
31 163 0 3 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 171 32 1 27 34 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 24 34 17 35 34 33 32 31 32 3.5. Revenue generated by the Judiciary in 2017 3. .The Revenue following generated table providesby the the Judiciaryrevenue generatedin 2017 by the Courts through court fees, thrimthue, Thefines following and penalties. table provides the revenue generated by the Courts through court fees, thrimthue, fines and penalties. Sl. No. Courts Revenue (Nu.) Sl. No.1. Supreme CourtCourts 16,69,750Revenue (Nu.) 1.2. SupremeHigh Court Court 34,73,17516,69,750 3. Thimphu 81,35,987 2. High Court 34,73,175 4. Paro 18,39,492 3. Thimphu 81,35,987 5. Punakha 9,97,225 4.6. ParoWangdue Phodrang 14,48,25018,39,492 5.7. PunakhaHaa 2,03,4009,97,225 6.8. WangdueGasa Phodrang 67,10014,48,250 7.9. HaaChukha 78,57,2132,03,400 8.10. GasaTrongsa 4,94,75067,100 9.11. ChukhaMongar 3,51,90078,57,213 10.12. TrongsaLhuentse 3,11,3504,94,750 11.13. MongarZhemgang 43,8753,51,900 12.14. LhuentseBumthang 897,1153,11,350 15. Trashigang 11,75,300 13. Zhemgang 43,875 16. Tashi Yangtse 1,79,295 14. Bumthang 897,115 17. Pema Gatshel 1,18,425 15. Trashigang 11,75,300 18. Samdrup Jongkhar 1,16,600 16.19. TashiSamtseYangtse 5,88,7251,79,295 17.20. PemaTsirangGatshel 1,09,3001,18,425 18.21. SamdrupSarpang Jongkhar 4,26,5501,16,600 19.22. SamtseDagana 1,62,5355,88,725 20.23. TsirangPhuentsholing 76,94,705.461,09,300 21.24. SarpangGelephu 43,13,5504,26,550 22.25. DaganaLingzhi 24,2001,62,535 23.26. PhSangbaykhauentsholing 6,70076,94,705.46 24.27. GelephuLhamoizingkha 85,05043,13,550 28. Wamrong 2,82,550 25. Lingzhi 24,200 29. Sakteng 17,125 26. Sangbaykha 6,700 30. Thrimshing 53,000 27.31. LhamoizingkhaNganglam 2,71,02585,050 28.32. WamrongSamdrupcholing 37,8752,82,550 29.33. SaktengJomotsangkha 3,90017,125 30.34. ThrimshingTashichoeling 2,64,50053,000 31.35. NganglamDorokha 33,4502,71,025 32.36. SamdrupWeringla Choling 86,00037,875 33.37. JomotsangkhaPanbang 65,2503,900 34. Tashi Chhoeling Grand Total Nu.2,64,500 4,39,06,192.46 35. Dorokha 33,450
33 3.5. Revenue generated by the Judiciary in 2017 4. Key Events, 2017 3.5The. Revenue following generated table providesby the the Judiciaryrevenue generatedin 2017 by the Courts through court fees, thrimthue, Thefines following and penalties. table provides the revenue generated by the Courts through court fees, thrimthue, 4.1. Inauguration and ground-breaking ceremonies fines and penalties. Inauguration of Punakha Dzongkhag Court Sl. No. Courts Revenue (Nu.) Punakha Dzongkhag Court Sl. No.1. Supreme CourtCourts 16,69,750Revenue (Nu.) was inaugurated on 20th 1.2. SupremeHigh Court Court 34,73,17516,69,750 April, 2017. The inauguration 3. Thimphu 81,35,987 2. High Court 34,73,175 ceremony was graced by Her 4. Paro 18,39,492 3. Thimphu 81,35,987 Royal Highness Ashi Sonam 5. Punakha 9,97,225 4. Paro 18,39,492 Dechan Wangchuck. Also 6. Wangdue Phodrang 14,48,250 present were the Hon. Chief 5.7. PunakhaHaa 2,03,4009,97,225 Justice of Bhutan, Dr. Martin 6.8. WangdueGasa Phodrang 67,10014,48,250 Ledolter, Managing Director 7.9. HaaChukha 78,57,2132,03,400 of the Austrian Development 8.10. GasaTrongsa 4,94,75067,100 Cooperation (ADC), 9.11. ChukhaMongar 3,51,90078,57,213 representatives from Swiss 10.12. TrongsaLhuentse 3,11,3504,94,750 Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Gross National Happiness Commission. 11.13. MongarZhemgang 43,8753,51,900 Punakha Dzongkhag Court was constructed at Zingchenmo under Guma Gewog. The 12.14. LhuentseBumthang 897,1153,11,350 15. Trashigang 11,75,300 construction was funded by the SDC and ADC at the cost of over Nu. 46 million. The new court 13. Zhemgang 43,875 16. Tashi Yangtse 1,79,295 provides adequate space, room for detainees, sanitary facilities, waiting room for litigants and 14. Bumthang 897,115 17. Pema Gatshel 1,18,425 ramps for differently-abled people to ensure user-friendly amenities. Such court buildings have 15. Trashigang 11,75,300 18. Samdrup Jongkhar 1,16,600 strengthened the physical independence of the judiciary. 16.19. TashiSamtseYangtse 5,88,7251,79,295 Visit of His Holiness the Je Khenpo at Punakha Dzongkhag Court 17.20. PemaTsirangGatshel 1,09,3001,18,425 18.21. SamdrupSarpang Jongkhar 4,26,5501,16,600 19.22. SamtseDagana 1,62,5355,88,725 His Holiness the Je Khenpo visited Punakha rd 20.23. TsirangPhuentsholing 76,94,705.461,09,300 Dzongkhag Court on 23 May, 2017 on the 21.24. SarpangGelephu 43,13,5504,26,550 request of the Judiciary. The staff of Punakha 22.25. DaganaLingzhi 24,2001,62,535 Dzongkhag Court received blessings from His Holiness the Je Khenpo. 23.26. PhSangbaykhauentsholing 6,70076,94,705.46 24.27. GelephuLhamoizingkha 85,05043,13,550 28. Wamrong 2,82,550 25. Lingzhi 24,200 29. Sakteng 17,125 26. Sangbaykha 6,700 30. Thrimshing 53,000 27.31. LhamoizingkhaNganglam 2,71,02585,050 28.32. WamrongSamdrup Choling 37,8752,82,550 29.33. SaktengJomotsangkha 3,90017,125 30.34. ThrimshingTashi Chhoeling 2,64,50053,000 31.35. NganglamDorokha 33,4502,71,025 32.36. SamdrupWeringla Choling 86,00037,875 33.37. JomotsangkhaPanbang 65,2503,900 34. Tashi Chhoeling Grand Total Nu.2,64,5004,39,06,192.46 35. Dorokha 33,450
34 Inauguration of Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag Court Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag Court was inaugurated on 9th June, 2017. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. The Minister of Health, Lam Neten of Wangdue Phodrang, representatives from the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Members of Parliament from Wangdue Phodrang and local leaders were present. The construction of the court was jointly funded by the SDC and ADC. The construction of the new court commenced in April 2015 at the cost of Nu. 46 million. The new court is spacious and has separate detention rooms for men, women, children and differently-abled people. Earlier, the court was housed in a rented structure with inadequate working space.
Inauguration of the Family and Child Bench of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court. The Family and Child Bench of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court was inaugurated on 28th June, 2017. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck. The ceremony was also attended by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan, representatives from Save the Children, officials of Thimphu Dzongkhag, Drangpons of the Supreme Court, High Court and Thimphu Dzongkhag Court. The Family and Child Bench has a different courtroom to hear cases involving children in conflict with law and child victims. It is equipped with video communication system to conduct proceedings and to enable a child victim to identity the perpetrator without having to interact personally. The Drangpon will question the children in conflict with law and child victims in order to prevent intimidation. The Bench was established in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) and the Child Care and Protection Act of Bhutan 2011. It was funded by Save the Children, Italy.
35 Inauguration of Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag Court Ground breaking for Sarpang Dzongkhag Court construction Wangdue Phodrang The ground breaking for the construction Dzongkhag Court was of Sarpang Dzongkhag Court was held on inaugurated on 9th June, 2017. 18th January, 2017 at Tar, Sarpang. The The inauguration ceremony ceremony was graced by the Hon.Chief was graced by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. Sarpang Dzongkhag Justice of Bhutan. The Court is being constructed on an area of Minister of Health, Lam Neten about 2.78 acres. The cost of construction of Wangdue Phodrang, is approximately Nu.20 million. The representatives from the construction is expected to be completed Austrian Development in eighteen months. Currently the court is Cooperation (ADC), Swiss housed in the Dzongkhag Administration. Agency for Development and Ground breaking for Haa Dzongkhag Court construction Cooperation (SDC), Members The ground breaking for the construction of Parliament from Wangdue Phodrang and local leaders were present. The construction of the of Haa Dzongkhag Court was conducted court was jointly funded by the SDC and ADC. The construction of the new court commenced in on 26th January, 2017. The ceremony was April 2015 at the cost of Nu. 46 million. The new court is spacious and has separate detention graced by the Hon. Chief Justice of rooms for men, women, children and differently-abled people. Earlier, the court was housed in a Bhutan. Financed by the Royal rented structure with inadequate working space. Government of Bhutan, the court Inauguration of the Family and Child Bench of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court. construction is expected to be completed The Family and Child Bench of Thimphu in 18 months. Dzongkhag Court was inaugurated on 28th June, 2017. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck. The ceremony was also Ground breaking for Tashi Yangtse Dzongkhag Court construction attended by the Hon. Chief Justice of The ground breaking for the construction Bhutan, representatives from Save the of Tashi Yangtse Dzongkhag court was rd Children, officials of Thimphu held on 3 April, 2017. It was graced by Dzongkhag, Drangpons of the Supreme the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. The Court, High Court and Thimphu Resident Coordinator of the Austrian Dzongkhag Court. The Family and Child Coordination Office, Lam Neten and Bench has a different courtroom to hear cases involving children in conflict with law and child Dzongda of Tashi Yangtse were also in victims. It is equipped with video communication system to conduct proceedings and to enable a attendance. The construction is funded child victim to identity the perpetrator without having to interact personally. The Drangpon will by the ADC. The estimated cost for the question the children in conflict with law and child victims in order to prevent intimidation. The construction is Nu. 43 million and it is Bench was established in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) and expected to be completed in eighteen months. The Austrian Resident Coordinator, Mr. Johannes the Child Care and Protection Act of Bhutan 2011. It was funded by Save the Children, Italy. Binder said, ‘‘With Austrian funding, significant progress has been achieved in upscaling access to justice through the construction of new public Dzongkhag courts and specialization of professional legal service delivery in the justice sector.” He also stated that the court is the first in the east to be supported by the ADC.
36 4.2. Appointment, Superannuation and Transfer 4.2. Appointment, Superannuation and Transfer Consecration of Drangpons' Residences Appointment of Supreme Court Drangpons Consecration of Drangpons' Residences HisAppointment4.2. MajestyAppointment, the of Supreme Druk SuperannuationGyalpo Court grantedDrangpons and DharTransfer and The Drangpon’s residence of appointedHis Majesty two the Supreme Druk Gyalpo Court Drangpons granted Dhar on 23 andrd The Drangpon's residence of Appointment of Supreme Court Drangpons LhomizingkhaThe Drangpon's Dungkhag residence Court was of Juneappointed, 2017. two The Supremeformer CourtEminentDrangpons Member on of 23therd consecratedLhomizingkha on Dungkhag 9th July, 2017. Court The was His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and Lhomizingkha Dungkhagth Court was NationalJune, 2017. Council The Kuenlayformer Eminent Tshering Memberand Drangpon of the consecrated on 9 July, th 2017. The appointed two Supreme Court Drangpons on 23rd construction began th from 6 February 2017constructionconsecrated and completed beganon 9 on from6July,th June 6th 2017.2017.February The The NorbuNationalTshering CouncilofKuenlaythe High Tshering Court wereand appointedDrangpon th June, 2017. The former Eminent Member of the construction began from th 6 February as Supreme Court Drangpons. His Majesty the cost2017 of the and project completed was Nu. on 3.2 6 Junemillion. 2017. NorbuNationalTshering CouncilofKuenlaythe High Tshering Court wereand appointedDrangpon 2017 and completed on 6th June 2017. Druk Gyalpo appointed Drangpon Kuenlay The cost of the project Nu. 3.2 million. asNorbuSupremeTshering Courtof theDrangpons High Court. His were Majesty appointed the The cost of the project Nu. 3.2 million. Tshering as the senior most Drangpon of the Drukas SupremeGyalpo Court appointedDrangpons Drangpon. His Majesty Kuenlay the Supreme Court. The Venerable Tshugla Lopen of TsheringDruk Gyalpo as the appointed senior most DrangponDrangpon Kuenlayof the the Zhung Dratshang administered oath of office SupremeTshering Court as the. The senior Venerable most TshuglaDrangponLopenof theof tothe the Zhung two Drangpons.Dratshang administered oath of office The Drangpon'sDrangpon’s residenceresidence ofof PunakhaPunakha DzongkhagDzongkhag CourtCourt waswas consecratedconsecrated onon 66thth July, 2017. The Supreme Court. The Venerable Tshugla Lopen of th to the two Drangpons. constructionThe Drangpon's began residence fromfrom 27 ofthth OctoberPunakha andDzongkhag completed Court on 27wasthth April consecrated 2017. The on 6costJuly, of the 2017. project The the Zhung Dratshang administered oath of office th th Nu.wasconstruction 4.5Nu. Million. 4.5 Million.began from 27 October and completed on 27 April 2017. The cost of the project to the two Drangpons. Nu. 4.5 Million. Assignment of Benches to Drangpons of the Supreme Court Launch of the Government to Citizen (G2C) Judicial Services th Assignment of Benches to Drangpons of the SupremeOn 30CourtJune 2017, the Hon. Chief Justice Launch of the Government to Citizen (G2C) Judicial ServicesThe G2C Judicial Services was ofO n Bhutan 30th June assigned 2017, theDrangpon Hon. Chief Kuenlay Justice launchedThe G2C on 29 Judicialth September, Services 2017 was at Assignment of Benches to Drangpons of the Supreme Court th Tshering to Langchen Bench, Drangpon launched on 29 September, 2017 at of Bhutanth assigned Drangpon Kuenlay the Supreme Court by the Cabinet RinzinOn 30 JunePenjor 2017 to, theTachhog Hon. Chief Bench, Justice Secretarythe Supreme Kinzang Court Wangdi by the and Cabinet the Tsheringof Bhutan to assignedLangchen Drangpon Bench, Drangpon Kuenlay Secretary Kinzang Wangdi and the Drangpon Tashi Chhozom to Maaja Bench Registrar General of the Supreme RinzinTshering Penjor to Langchen to Tachhog Bench, Drangpon Bench, Registrar General of the Supreme and Drangpon Norbu Tshering to Khading Court. It was initiated by the Judiciary DrangponRinzin PenjorTashi Chhozom to Tachhogto Ma aja Bench,Bench Court. It was initiated by the Judiciary Bench. in collaboration with the G2C office andDrangpon DrangponTashi NorbuChhozom Tsheringto MatoajaKhading Bench unin der collaboration the Prime with Minister’s the G2C Office office to Bench.and Drangpon Norbu Tshering to Khading provideunder the efficient Prime Minister’s and timely Office judicial to Bench. services.provide efficient People can and apply timely for judicial eleven onlineservices. judicial People can services apply which for eleven are Marriageonline judicial certificates; services Translationwhich are of marriageMarriage certificates; TranslationCorrection of of personal bio-data; Lost documents; Single/marital status; marriageChild travel certificates; documents; CorrectionAttestation of documents;personal bio Child-data; adoption;Lost documents; Organ transplant;Single/marital Closing status; of Child accounts travel and documents; transfer of Attestation shares; and of Attestationdocuments; of Child agreements, adoption; wills, Organ contracts transplant; and testaments. Closing of accounts and transfer of shares; and Appointment of High Court Drangpons Attestation of agreements, wills, contracts and testaments. His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and Appointment of High Court Drangpons appointed Drangpon Duba Dukpa of Tsirang His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and DzongkhagAppointment Court; of High Drangpon Court DrangponsKinley Dorji of appointed Drangpon Duba Dukpa of Tsirang CriminalHis Majesty Bench the II Druk, ThimphuGyalpo Dzongkhaggranted Dhar Cour andt; Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Kinley Dorji of Drangponappointed Pema DrangponWangchuk Duba, Director Dukpa General of Tsirang of Criminal Bench II, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court; BhutanDzongkhag National Court; Legal Drangpon InstituteKinley (BNLI) Dorji; andof Drangpon Pema Wangchuk, Director General of DrangponCriminal BenchPema IIRinzin, Thimphuof Commercial Dzongkhag Bench, Court; Bhutan National Legal Institute (BNLI); and ThimphuDrangponDzongkhagPema Wangchuk Court as ,Drangpons Director of General the High of Drangpon Pema Rinzin of Commercial Bench, CourtBhutanon National14th August Legal 2017. Institute The Venerable (BNLI) Tshog; and- ghiThimphuDrangponLopenDzongkhag ofPema the ZhungRinzin CourtDra asof tshang DrangponsCommercialadministered of the Bench, Highthe oath of office. th CourtThimphuon Dzongkhag 14 August Court 2017. as TheDrangpons Venerable of the Tshog High- Following the appointment, the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan assigned Drangpon Lungten 37 Court on 14th August 2017. The Venerable Tshog- Dubgyur and Drangpon Pema Rinzin to Bench I, Drangpon Tshering Namgyel and Drangpon Pema Wangchuk to Bench II, and Drangpon Duba Dukpa and Drangpon Kinley Dorji to Bench III. The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan also reinstated the Larger Bench which will be presided by Chief Justice of the High Court. The Larger Bench will hear the appeals from the other three divisional Benches of the High Court.
Orientation program for the new High Court Justices The BNLI, in coordination with the Supreme Court, conducted an orientation program for the four new Justices of the High Court on 13th September 2017 at the Supreme Court. The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan graced the occasion. The Justices were oriented on Appellate Adjudication Procedures, Policies, Practices and Experiences.
Appointment of Dzongkhag Drangpons His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and appointed Drangpon Karma Dorji of Gelephu Dungkhag Court as the Drangpon of Tsirang Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Dechen of Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court as the Drangpon of Civil Bench, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Choden, Assistant Judge of Public Notary Office as the Drangpon of Commercial Bench, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court; and Drangpon Kesang Choden, Assistant Judge of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court as the Drangpon of the Criminal Bench II, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court on 12th October 2017.
Orientation for newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons An orientation program was held from 7th to 8th November 2017 for the newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons at the Supreme Court. The program was held by the BNLI in collaboration with the Supreme Court. The participants were briefed on Administrative & Managerial 4.2. Appointment, Superannuation and Transfer 4.2. Appointment, Superannuation and Transfer Consecration of Drangpons' Residences Appointment of Supreme Court Drangpons HisAppointment4.2. MajestyAppointment, the of Supreme Druk SuperannuationGyalpo Court grantedDrangpons and DharTransfer and appointedHis Majesty two the Supreme Druk Gyalpo Court Drangpons granted Dhar on 23 andrd The Drangpon's residence of Appointment of Supreme Court Drangpons Juneappointed, 2017. two The Supremeformer CourtEminentDrangpons Member on of 23therd Lhomizingkha Dungkhag Court was His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and National Council Kuenlay Tshering and Drangpon consecrated on 9th July, 2017. The Juneappointed, 2017. two The Supremeformer CourtEminent Drangpons Member on of 23 therd Norbu Tshering of the High Court were appointed construction began from 6th February NationalJune, 2017. Council The Kuenlayformer Eminent Tshering Memberand Drangpon of the th as Supreme Court Drangpons. His Majesty the 2017 and completed on 6 June 2017. NorbuNationalTshering Councilof Kuenlaythe High Tshering Court wereand appointedDrangpon Druk Gyalpo appointed Drangpon Kuenlay The cost of the project Nu. 3.2 million. asNorbuSupremeTshering Courtof theDrangpons High Court. His were Majesty appointed the Tshering as the senior most Drangpon of the Drukas SupremeGyalpo Court appointedDrangpons Drangpon. His Majesty Kuenlay the Supreme Court. The Venerable Tshugla Lopen of TsheringDruk Gyalpo as the appointed senior most DrangponDrangpon Kuenlayof the the Zhung Dratshang administered oath of office SupremeTshering Court as the. The senior Venerable most TshuglaDrangponLopenof theof tothe the Zhung two Drangpons.Dratshang administered oath of office The Drangpon's residence of Punakha Dzongkhag Court was consecrated on 6th July, 2017. The Supreme Court. The Venerable Tshugla Lopen of to the two Drangpons. construction began from 27th October and completed on 27th April 2017. The cost of the project the Zhung Dratshang administered oath of office Nu. 4.5 Million. to the two Drangpons. Assignment of Benches to Drangpons of the Supreme Court Launch of the Government to Citizen (G2C) Judicial Services th Assignment of Benches to Drangpons of the SupremeOn 30CourtJune 2017, the Hon. Chief Justice The G2C Judicial Services was of Bhutanth assigned Drangpon Kuenlay th On 30 June 2017, the Hon. Chief Justice launched on 29 September, 2017 at Assignment of Benches to Drangpons of the SupremeTshering Court to Langchen Bench, Drangpon of Bhutanth assigned Drangpon Kuenlay the Supreme Court by the Cabinet RinzinOn 30 JunePenjor 2017 to, theTachhog Hon. Chief Bench, Justice Secretary Kinzang Wangdi and the Tshering to Langchen Bench, Drangpon Drangponof BhutanTashi assignedChhozom Drangponto Maaja KuenlayBench Registrar General of the Supreme Rinzin Penjor to Tachhog Bench, andTshering Drangpon to Langchen Norbu Tshering Bench,to KhadingDrangpon Court. It was initiated by the Judiciary Drangpon Tashi Chhozom to Maaja Bench Bench.Rinzin Penjor to Tachhog Bench, in collaboration with the G2C office andDrangpon DrangponTashi NorbuChhozom Tsheringto MatoajaKhading Bench under the Prime Minister’s Office to Bench.and Drangpon Norbu Tshering to Khading provide efficient and timely judicial Bench. services. People can apply for eleven online judicial services which are Marriage certificates; Translation of marriage certificates; Correction of personal bio-data; Lost documents; Single/marital status; Child travel documents; Attestation of documents; Child adoption; Organ transplant; Closing of accounts and transfer of shares; and Attestation of agreements, wills, contracts and testaments. Appointment of High Court Drangpons His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and Appointment of High Court Drangpons appointed Drangpon Duba Dukpa of Tsirang His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and DzongkhagAppointment Court; of High Drangpon Court DrangponsKinley Dorji of appointed Drangpon Duba Dukpa of Tsirang CriminalHis Majesty Bench the II Druk, ThimphuGyalpo Dzongkhaggranted Dhar Cour andt; Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Kinley Dorji of Drangponappointed Pema DrangponWangchuk Duba, Director Dukpa General of Tsirang of Criminal Bench II, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court; BhutanDzongkhag National Court; Legal Drangpon InstituteKinley (BNLI) Dorji; andof Drangpon Pema Wangchuk, Director General of DrangponCriminal BenchPema IIRinzin, Thimphuof Commercial Dzongkhag Bench, Court; Bhutan National Legal Institute (BNLI); and ThimphuDrangponDzongkhagPema Wangchuk Court as ,Drangpons Director of General the High of Drangpon Pema Rinzin of Commercial Bench, CourtBhutan on National14th August Legal 2017. Institute The Venerable (BNLI) Tshog; and- ghiThimphuDrangponLopenDzongkhag ofPema the ZhungRinzin CourtDra asof tshang DrangponsCommercialadministered of the Bench, High the oath of office. th ghi Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang administered theCourtThimphu oathon ofDzongkhag 14 office.August Court 2017. as TheDrangpons Venerable of the Tshog High- Following the appointment, the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan assigned Drangpon Lungten Court on 14th August 2017. The Venerable Tshog38 - Following the appointment, the Hon. Chief JusticeDubgyur of Bhutanand Drangpon assigned PemaDrangponRinzinLungtento Bench I, Drangpon Tshering Namgyel and Dubgyur and Drangpon Pema Rinzin to BenchDrangpon I, PemaDrangpon Wangchuk Tshering to BenchNamgyel II, and andDrangpon Duba Dukpa and Drangpon Kinley Dorji Drangpon Pema Wangchuk to Bench II, and Drangponto BenchDuba III. DukpaThe Hon. andChief Drangpon JusticeKinley of Bhutan Dorji also reinstated the Larger Bench which will be to Bench III. The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutanpresided also reinstated by Chief the Justice Larger ofBench the High which Court. will beThe Larger Bench will hear the appeals from the presided by Chief Justice of the High Court. Theother Larger three Bench divisional will Bencheshear the of appeals the High from Court. the other three divisional Benches of the High Court. Orientation program for the new High Court Justices Orientation program for the new High Court TheJustices BNLI, in coordination with the Supreme Court, conducted an orientation program for the The BNLI, in coordination with the Supreme Court,four new conducted Justices a noforientation the High Courtprogram on 13forth theSeptember 2017 at the Supreme Court. The Hon. four new Justices of the High Court on 13th SeptemberChief Ju 2017stice at of the Bhutan Supreme graced Court. the The occasion.Hon. The Justices were oriented on Appellate Chief Justice of Bhutan graced the occasion.AdjudicationThe Justices Procedures, were oriented Policies, onPracticesAppellate and Experiences. Adjudication Procedures, Policies, Practices and Experiences. Appointment of Dzongkhag Drangpons Appointment of Dzongkhag Drangpons His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and appointed Drangpon Karma Dhar and appointed Drangpon Karma Dorji of Gelephu Dungkhag Court as the Dorji of Gelephu Dungkhag Court as the Drangpon of Tsirang Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon of Tsirang Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Dechen of Drangpon Pema Dechen of Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court as the Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court as the Drangpon of Civil Bench, Thimphu Drangpon of Civil Bench, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Choden, Assistant Judge of Public Choden, Assistant Judge of Public Notary Office as the Drangpon of Notary Office as the Drangpon of Commercial Bench, Thimphu Commercial Bench, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court; and Drangpon Dzongkhag Court; and Drangpon Kesang Choden, Assistant Judge of Kesang Choden, Assistant Judge of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court as the Thimphu Dzongkhag Court as the Drangpon of the Criminal Bench II, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court on 12th October 2017. Drangpon of the Criminal Bench II, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court on 12th October 2017. Orientation for newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons Orientation for newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons An orientation program was An orientation program was held from 7th to 8th November held from 7th to 8th November 2017 for the newly appointed 2017 for the newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons at the Supreme Drangpons at the Supreme Court. The program was held Court. The program was held by the BNLI in collaboration by the BNLI in collaboration with the Supreme Court. The with the Supreme Court. The participants were briefed on participants were briefed on Administrative & Managerial Administrative & Managerial ghi Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang administered the oath of office.
Following the appointment, the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan assigned Drangpon Lungten Dubgyur and Drangpon Pema Rinzin to Bench I, Drangpon Tshering Namgyel and Drangpon Pema Wangchuk to Bench II, and Drangpon Duba Dukpa and Drangpon Kinley Dorji to Bench III. The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan also reinstated the Larger Bench which will be presided by Chief Justice of the High Court. The Larger Bench will hear the appeals from the other three divisional Benches of the High Court.
Orientation program for the new High Court Justices The BNLI, in coordination with the Supreme Court, conducted an orientation program for the th four new Justices of the High Court on 13th September 2017 at the Supreme Court. The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan graced the occasion. The Justices were oriented on Appellate Adjudication Procedures, Policies, Practices and Experiences.
Appointment of Dzongkhag Drangpons His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted Dhar and appointed Drangpon Karma Dorji of Gelephu Dungkhag Court as the Drangpon of Tsirang Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Dechen of Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court as the Drangpon of Civil Bench, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Choden, Assistant Judge of Public Notary Office as the Drangpon of Commercial Bench, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court; and Drangpon Kesang Choden, Assistant Judge of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court as the th Drangpon of the Criminal Bench II, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court on 12th October 2017.
Orientation for newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons An orientation program was th th held from 7th to 8th November 2017 for the newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons at the Supreme Court. The program was held by the BNLI in collaboration with the Supreme Court. The participants were briefed on Administrative & Managerial
39 ghi Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang administered the oath of office.
Following the appointment, the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan assigned Drangpon Lungten Roles, Dzongkhag Protocols, Court Management, Judicial Procedure in Mediated Cases, Code of Dubgyur and Drangpon Pema Rinzin to Bench I, Drangpon Tshering Namgyel and Conduct & Ethics, Leadership and Driglam Namzha. Drangpon Pema Wangchuk to Bench II, and Drangpon Duba Dukpa and Drangpon Kinley Dorji Appointment of the Director General of the Bhutan National Legal Institute to Bench III. The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan also reinstated the Larger Bench which will be Roles, Dzongkhag Protocols, Court Management, Judicial Procedure in Mediated Cases, Code of Roles, Dzongkhag Protocols, Court Management, Judicial ProcedureHer in Mediated Royal HighnessCases, Code Ashi of presided by Chief Justice of the High Court. The Larger Bench will hear the appeals from the Conduct & Ethics, Leadership and Driglam Namzha. Conduct & Ethics, Leadership and Driglam Namzha. Sonam Dechan Wangchuck other three divisional Benches of the High Court. AppointmentAppointment of of the the Director Director General General of of the the Bhutan Bhutan National National Legalappointed Legal Institute Institute Drangpon Lobzang Orientation program for the new High Court Justices Orientation program for the new High Court Justices HerRinzinHer Royal RYargayoyal Highness Highnessas the Director Ashi Ashi th The BNLI, in coordination with the Supreme Court, conducted an orientation program for the GeneralSonam ofDechan the BNLIWangchuck on 24 th Sonam Dechan Wangchuck four new Justices of the High Court on 13th September 2017 at the Supreme Court. The Hon. four new Justices of the High Court on 13 September 2017 at the Supreme Court. The Hon. appointedAugustappointed Drangpon 2017. Drangpon Drangpon Lobzang Lobzang Chief Justice of Bhutan graced the occasion. The Justices were oriented on Appellate Chief Justice of Bhutan graced the occasion. The Justices were oriented on Appellate RinzinLobzangRinzinYargayYargayservedas asas thethe the Drangpon Director Director Adjudication Procedures, Policies, Practices and Experiences. Adjudication Procedures, Policies, Practices and Experiences. GeneralofGeneral the ofCivil of the the Bench, BNLI BNLI Thimphuon on 24 24th th AugustDzongkhagAugust 2017. 2017.Court priorDrangponDrangpon to his Appointment of Dzongkhag Drangpons Lobzangappointment.Lobzangservedserved as as the the Drangpon Drangpon His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo granted ofof the the Civil Civil Bench, Bench, Thimphu Thimphu Dhar and appointed Drangpon Karma DzongkhagDzongkhagCourtCourt prior prior to to his his Dorji of Gelephu Dungkhag Court as the Appointment of Thrimdag of the Royal Court of Armed Forcesappointment.appointment.. Drangpon of Tsirang Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Dechen of Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court as the Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court as the Drangpon Tashi Dorji, the Registrar General of Drangpon of Civil Bench, Thimphu Appointment of Thrimdag of the Royal Court of Armed Forces. Drangpon of Civil Bench, Thimphu Appointment of Thrimdag of the Royal Courtthe of High Armed Court Forceswas. appointed as the Thrimdag of Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema Dzongkhag Court; Drangpon Pema the Royal Court of Armed Forces on 30th March, Choden, Assistant Judge of Public Drangpon2017.DrangponTashiTashiDorjiDorji, , the the Registrar Registrar General General of of Notary Office as the Drangpon of thethe High High Court Courtwaswas appointedappointedasas the the Thrimdag Thrimdag of of Commercial Bench, Thimphu thethe Royal Royal CourtCourt of ofArmedArmed Forces Forces on on 30 30th thMarch,March, Dzongkhag Court; and Drangpon 2017.2017. Kesang Choden, Assistant Judge of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court as the th Drangpon of the Criminal Bench II, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court on 12th October 2017.
Orientation for newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons An orientation program was th th held from 7th to 8th November 2017 for the newly appointed Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons at the Supreme Court. The program was held by the BNLI in collaboration with the Supreme Court. The participants were briefed on Administrative & Managerial
39 40 Appointment of Drangpon Rabjams Appointment of Sungkhorp of the Supreme Court The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan appointed Ms. On the request of Dechen Wangmo, a senior Court Registrar of the the Supreme Court, Supreme Court as Drangpon Rabjam on 10th April, the Dorji Lopen of 2017. She was appointed as the Assistant Judge of the Zhung Dratshang Public Notary Office. appointed Lopen Namgay Tshering from Punakha as the Sungkhorp of the Supreme Court on 19th December, 2017. Lopen Namgay joined the Zhung Dratshang at the age of eight and completed his studies at Tango and Dodeydra shedras. Lopen Namgay The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan received recognition from His Holiness the Je Khenpo for completing fourteen years of retreat. appointed Mr. Thongjay and Mr. Singye Wangdi, Senior Court Registrars of the Superannuation Supreme Court; and Mr. Jigme Lodey, a Drangpon Parsu Ram Gurung of Sarpang Dzongkhag Court th Senior Court Registrar of Punakha superannuated on 16 November, 2017 after thirty-eight years of Dzongkhag Court as Drangpon Rabjams dedicated service. He joined the service in 1979. on 10th August 2017.Subsequently, Drangpon Thongjay was appointed as the Drangpon of Gelephu Dungkhag Court, Drangpon Singye Wangdi as the Drangpon of Bench II of Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court and Drangpon Jigme Lodey as the Drangpon of Jomotsangkha Dungkhag Court.
Drangpon Karma Lhendup of Jomotsangkha Dungkhag Court superannuated th Appointment of Court Registrars on 8 July, 2017 after forty-four years of dedicated service. He joined the The top four Post Graduate Diploma in National service in 1973. Law (PGDNL) graduates of the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) were appointed as Court Registrars by the Royal Civil Service Transfer of Dzongkhag Drangpons Commission on 1st January, 2017. All four of Drangpon Tharchean, Drangpon on special duty of the BNLI was transferred them have been placed at the Thimphu to Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag Court with effect from 1st August 2017. Dzongkhag Court.
Drangpon Norbu was transferred from Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag Court to Zhemgang Dzongkhag Court with effect from 1st August 2017.
41 Appointment of Drangpon Rabjams Appointment of Sungkhorp of the Supreme Court The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan appointed Ms. On the request of Dechen Wangmo, a senior Court Registrar of the the Supreme Court, Supreme Court as Drangpon Rabjam on 10th April, the Dorji Lopen of 2017. She was appointed as the Assistant Judge of the Zhung Dratshang Public Notary Office. appointed Lopen Namgay Tshering from Punakha as the Sungkhorp of the Supreme Court on 19th December, 2017. Lopen Namgay joined the Zhung Dratshang at the age of eight and completed his studies at Tango and Dodeydra shedras. Lopen Namgay The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan received recognition from His Holiness the Je Khenpo for completing fourteen years of retreat. appointed Mr. Thongjay and Mr. Singye Wangdi, Senior Court Registrars of the Superannuation Supreme Court; and Mr. Jigme Lodey, a Drangpon Parsu Ram Gurung of Sarpang Dzongkhag Court th Senior Court Registrar of Punakha superannuated on 16 November, 2017 after thirty-eight years of Dzongkhag Court as Drangpon Rabjams dedicated service. He joined the service in 1979. on 10th August 2017.Subsequently, Drangpon Thongjay was appointed as the Drangpon of Gelephu Dungkhag Court, Drangpon Singye Wangdi as the Drangpon of Bench II of Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court and Drangpon Jigme Lodey as the Drangpon of Jomotsangkha Dungkhag Court.
Drangpon Karma Lhendup of Jomotsangkha Dungkhag Court superannuated th Appointment of Court Registrars on 8 July, 2017 after forty-four years of dedicated service. He joined the The top four Post Graduate Diploma in National service in 1973. Law (PGDNL) graduates of the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) were appointed as Court Registrars by the Royal Civil Service Transfer of Dzongkhag Drangpons Commission on 1st January, 2017. All four of Drangpon Tharchean, Drangpon on special duty of the BNLI was transferred them have been placed at the Thimphu to Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag Court with effect from 1st August 2017. Dzongkhag Court.
Drangpon Norbu was transferred from Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag Court to Zhemgang Dzongkhag Court with effect from 1st August 2017.
42 4.3. Conferences/Workshops
Twenty-second National Judicial Conference The twenty-second National Judicial Conference was held from 10th to 15th March, 2017 at the Supreme Court Conference hall with the theme ''Inspiring Public Trust and Confidence.'' The opening ceremony was graced by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. Issues relating to summon orders, arrest warrants, contempt of court, payment for witnesses, issuance of marriage certificate, calculation of child maintenance allowance, single status, and non-litigious matters hampering administration of justice were deliberated and resolved. Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the closing ceremony.
Case Management; Implementing the International Framework for Court Excellence; Judicial Ethics & Social Media, Specialty Courts and No Cost Legal Research The workshop was conducted by a delegation of Justices from the Supreme Court of Guam led by Justice Robert Torres from 3rd to 5th April, 2017 at the Supreme Court conference. The Drangpons of the High Court and Dzongkhag Courts, Court Registrars and participants from the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law attended the workshop.
43 4.3. Conferences/Workshops Legal Reporting for the members of the Journalist Association of Bhutan (JAB) Twenty-second National Judicial Conference The workshop was conducted by The twenty-second the JAB in collaboration with the National Judicial BNLI and funded by the Anti- Conference was held Corruption Commission (ACC) from 10th to 15th from 26th to 27th June, 2017 in March, 2017 at the Thimphu. The opening Supreme Court ceremony was graced by Her Conference hall with Royal Highness Ashi Sonam the theme ''Inspiring Dechan Wangchuck. The two- Public Trust and day workshop was facilitated by Confidence.'' The Drangpons of the High Court opening ceremony and Thimphu Dzongkhag Court. The topics included Naming and shaming of suspect: it's was graced by the Hon. Chief Justice legality and constitutionality; Contempt of court: definitions and misconceptions; Internal of Bhutan.Issues functioning of courts; Reporting on the Judiciary: biases and misinformation; Code of ethics for relating to summon orders, arrest warrants, contempt of court, payment for witnesses, issuance of journalists; Subjudice; Access to the Judiciary: issues and challenges; Analysis of judgments; marriage certificate, calculation of child maintenance allowance, single status, and non-litigious Judiciary’s expectations from the media; and Media’s expectations from the Judiciary. matters hampering administration of justice were deliberated and resolved. Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the closing ceremony. Legal Document Management and Archiving System A delegation comprising of IT officials and Librarian of the Case Management; Implementing the International Framework for Court Excellence; Supreme Court of Bhutan led by Judicial Ethics & Social Media, Specialty Courts and No Cost Legal Research the Registrar General of the The workshop was Supreme Court visited Seoul, conducted by a Republic of Korea from 15th to delegation of 24th July 2017. The workshop was Justices from the on Legal Document Management Supreme Court of and Archiving System. The Guam led by Judiciary of Bhutan is in the Justice Robert process of implementing a project Torres from 3rd to on Documenting, Archiving and Digitization of court records. The main purpose of the project is 5th April, 2017 at to establish a comprehensive platform for the Supreme Court conference.The Drangpons of the High Court and Dzongkhag Courts, Court Registrars and document management and archival of participants from the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law attended the workshop. documents. Subsequently, a delegation comprising of four experts from Republic of Korea visited Bhutan in December to conduct a project meeting on the digitization and ICT usage in Judiciary and provide guidance to the Bhutanese project team.
43 44 4.4. Trainings Judgment Drafting and Case Management System (CMS) The Judgment Drafting and CMS Mediation (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Skills & Techniques. training for judicial personnel began in The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan different phases and regions. In addition, graced the closing session of the the participants were also trained on the six-day training on ‘‘Mediation use of G2C judicial services. The main (Alternative Dispute Resolution) objective of the training was to streamline the CMS and to develop a Skills & Techniques’’ and awarded uniform judgment drafting format to certificates to eighty-five Gups of garner public trust and confidence. The Chukha, Haa, Paro, Pema Gatshel, training was funded by the Royal Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Government of Bhutan and the Austrian Samtse, Sarpang and Tsirang on Development Cooperation. 20th May, 2017. The training was conducted by BNLI from 15th to Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the opening session of 20th May, 2017 at Samtse College of Education with financial support from the Royal the first phase in Paro from 14th to 16th June, Government of Bhutan. 2017. The participants comprised of Drangpons, Court Registrars and Bench Child Court Procedure for Bench Clerks Clerks from the Supreme Court, High Court, The BNLI conducted a training on ‘Child Thimphu Dzongkhag Court, Public Notary Court Procedure’ for Bench Clerks of Office and Lingzhi Dungkhag Court. Dzongkhag Courts and Dungkhag Courts at Phuentsholing from 19th to 21st January, The second phase was held in Bumthang h th 2017. It was funded by the Save the from 16t to 19 June, 2017 for Mongar, Trongsa, Sarpang, Gelephu and Panbang Children. Forty participants attended the courts. The third phase was held in Mongar training. The resource persons were from 19th to 22nd June, 2017 for Bumthang, Drangpon Pema Wangchuk, the then Trashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Samdrup Director General of the BNLI, Drangpon Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel and Lhuentse Pema Dechen, the then Drangpon of courts. Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court and Drangpon Rabjam Tenzin of BNLI. The fourth phase was held from 24th to 27th Child Court Procedure for Dungkhag Court Drangpons June 2017 at the Supreme Court for Chukha, Gasa, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan graced the Tsirang, Dagana, Samtse, Phuentsholing, opening ceremony of the training on ‘Child Dorokha, Lhamoizingkha and Tashi Court Procedure’ in Phuentsholing. The Chhoeling courts. The fifth phase was held training was funded by Save the Children in Haa from 15th to 18th September 2017 for and conducted by the BNLI from 23rd to 25th Paro court and remaining participants from January, 2017. It was attended by the Supreme Court, High Court and Thimphu Dungkhag Court Drangpons. court.The sixth phase was held in Phuentsholing from 12th to 15th October 2017 for Haa, Pema Gatshel, Sombaykha, Weringla,
45 4.4. Trainings Judgment Drafting and Case Management System (CMS) The Judgment Drafting and CMS Mediation (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Skills & Techniques. training for judicial personnel began in The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan different phases and regions. In addition, graced the closing session of the the participants were also trained on the six-day training on ‘‘Mediation use of G2C judicial services. The main (Alternative Dispute Resolution) objective of the training was to streamline the CMS and to develop a Skills & Techniques’’ and awarded uniform judgment drafting format to certificates to eighty-five Gups of garner public trust and confidence. The Chukha, Haa, Paro, Pema Gatshel, training was funded by the Royal Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Government of Bhutan and the Austrian Samtse, Sarpang and Tsirang on Development Cooperation. 20th May, 2017. The training was conducted by BNLI from 15th to Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the opening session of 20th May, 2017 at Samtse College of Education with financial support from the Royal the first phase in Paro from 14th to 16th June, Government of Bhutan. 2017. The participants comprised of Drangpons, Court Registrars and Bench Child Court Procedure for Bench Clerks Clerks from the Supreme Court, High Court, The BNLI conducted a training on ‘Child Thimphu Dzongkhag Court, Public Notary Court Procedure’ for Bench Clerks of Office and Lingzhi Dungkhag Court. Dzongkhag Courts and Dungkhag Courts at Phuentsholing from 19th to 21st January, The second phase was held in Bumthang h th 2017. It was funded by the Save the from 16t to 19 June, 2017 for Mongar, Trongsa, Sarpang, Gelephu and Panbang Children. Forty participants attended the courts. The third phase was held in Mongar training. The resource persons were from 19th to 22nd June, 2017 for Bumthang, Drangpon Pema Wangchuk, the then Trashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Samdrup Director General of the BNLI, Drangpon Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel and Lhuentse Pema Dechen, the then Drangpon of courts. Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court and Drangpon Rabjam Tenzin of BNLI. The fourth phase was held from 24th to 27th Child Court Procedure for Dungkhag Court Drangpons June 2017 at the Supreme Court for Chukha, Gasa, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan graced the Tsirang, Dagana, Samtse, Phuentsholing, opening ceremony of the training on ‘Child Dorokha, Lhamoizingkha and Tashi Court Procedure’ in Phuentsholing. The Chhoeling courts. The fifth phase was held training was funded by Save the Children in Haa from 15th to 18th September 2017 for and conducted by the BNLI from 23rd to 25th Paro court and remaining participants from January, 2017. It was attended by the Supreme Court, High Court and Thimphu Dungkhag Court Drangpons. court.The sixth phase was held in Phuentsholing from 12th to 15th October 2017 for Haa, Pema Gatshel, Sombaykha, Weringla,
46 Nganglam, Samtse, Phuentsholing and Environmental Law: A Global Perspective' on 30th October, 2017 at the Supreme Court. It was Sakteng courts.The last phase which was attended by the Drangpons, Court Registrars and representatives from governmental and non- held in Thimphu for the Justices of the governmental agencies. Supreme Court and High Court was graced by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. b) Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan Drangpon Kinley Dorji of the High Court Reforms in Judiciary and Drangpon Kinley Namgay, Chief The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan delivered a Drangpon of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court talk on the topic 'Reforms in Judiciary' to the were the resource persons for Judgment Drafting. Drangpon Pema Choden, Drangpon Kesang first-ever law students of the Jigme Singye Choden, Ms. Kezang Dema and Ms. Tingting Dema facilitated the session on the use of G2C Wangchuck School of Law at the Supreme judicial services and CMS. A total of 339 judicial personnel including Drangpons, Court Court on 26th July 2017. The Hon. Chief Registrars and Bench Clerks of Judiciary were trained. Justice said that the reforms in the Judiciary are initiated based on the National Day Speeches of His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo 4.4. Talks pertaining to Judiciary, Royal Kashos and the a. International Delegates challenges faced by the Judiciary. He emphasized on some of the reforms Permanent Court of Arbitration: The Institution, and The PCA and International Dispute undertaken by the Judiciary such as drafting of the Private Money Lending Regulations, Law Settlement in Asia. Enforcement Coordination Committee, Accountability and Responsibility Guideline and Mr. Brooks William Daly, the Deputy Secretary General of the establishment of the Green Bench at the High Court. Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), The Hague, The Netherlands delivered a talk at the High Court on 18th January The law students also visited the High Court and attended the talk on 'Court Procedure and an 2017. It was attended by the Justices of the Supreme Court and Analogy between the Trial System and the Raksha Mangcham' on 25th July 2017 by the Hon. High Court, Judges of Dzongkhag Courts and Court Registrars. He Acting Chief Justice and Drangpon Lungten Dubgyur of the High Court. talked on 'PCA: The Institution, The PCA and International Dispute Settlement in Asia, Public International Law, International Investment Law, International Commercial Law and Investment Constitutionalism and Rule of Law Arbitration.' The Hon. Chief Justice delivered lecture on ‘‘Constitutionalism and Rule of Law’’ to the participants of the First Foundational Leadership Program (FLP) at the Royal Institute for Biodiversity Protection: Legal and Policy Perspective and Environmental Law: A Global Governance and Strategic Studies Perspective. (RIGSS) on 18th June 2017. The FLP is Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin, National the seventh leadership course launched High Court of Brazil and Chair of International by the RIGSS on 4th June 2017. It is a Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Commission on Environmental Law, four-week course intended for entry- delivered a talk on ‘Biodiversity Protection: level professionals from various Legal and Policy Perspective and sectors. The course provides a platform to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the evolution of Bhutan as a sovereign nation-state; Bhutan’s challenges and vulnerabilities in the
47 Nganglam, Samtse, Phuentsholing and Environmental Law: A Global Perspective' on 30th October, 2017 at the Supreme Court. It was Sakteng courts.The last phase which was attended by the Drangpons, Court Registrars and representatives from governmental and non- held in Thimphu for the Justices of the governmental agencies. Supreme Court and High Court was graced by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. b) Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan Drangpon Kinley Dorji of the High Court Reforms in Judiciary and Drangpon Kinley Namgay, Chief The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan delivered a Drangpon of Thimphu Dzongkhag Court talk on the topic 'Reforms in Judiciary' to the were the resource persons for Judgment Drafting. Drangpon Pema Choden, Drangpon Kesang first-ever law students of the Jigme Singye Choden, Ms. Kezang Dema and Ms. Tingting Dema facilitated the session on the use of G2C Wangchuck School of Law at the Supreme judicial services and CMS. A total of 339 judicial personnel including Drangpons, Court Court on 26th July 2017. The Hon. Chief Registrars and Bench Clerks of Judiciary were trained. Justice said that the reforms in the Judiciary are initiated based on the National Day Speeches of His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo 4.4. Talks pertaining to Judiciary, Royal Kashos and the a. International Delegates challenges faced by the Judiciary. He emphasized on some of the reforms Permanent Court of Arbitration: The Institution, and The PCA and International Dispute undertaken by the Judiciary such as drafting of the Private Money Lending Regulations, Law Settlement in Asia. Enforcement Coordination Committee, Accountability and Responsibility Guideline and Mr. Brooks William Daly, the Deputy Secretary General of the establishment of the Green Bench at the High Court. Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), The Hague, The Netherlands delivered a talk at the High Court on 18th January The law students also visited the High Court and attended the talk on 'Court Procedure and an 2017. It was attended by the Justices of the Supreme Court and Analogy between the Trial System and the Raksha Mangcham' on 25th July 2017 by the Hon. High Court, Judges of Dzongkhag Courts and Court Registrars. He Acting Chief Justice and Drangpon Lungten Dubgyur of the High Court. talked on 'PCA: The Institution, The PCA and International Dispute Settlement in Asia, Public International Law, International Investment Law, International Commercial Law and Investment Constitutionalism and Rule of Law Arbitration.' The Hon. Chief Justice delivered lecture on ‘‘Constitutionalism and Rule of Law’’ to the participants of the First Foundational Leadership Program (FLP) at the Royal Institute for Biodiversity Protection: Legal and Policy Perspective and Environmental Law: A Global Governance and Strategic Studies Perspective. (RIGSS) on 18th June 2017. The FLP is Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin, National the seventh leadership course launched High Court of Brazil and Chair of International by the RIGSS on 4th June 2017. It is a Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Commission on Environmental Law, four-week course intended for entry- delivered a talk on ‘Biodiversity Protection: level professionals from various Legal and Policy Perspective and sectors. The course provides a platform to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the evolution of Bhutan as a sovereign nation-state; Bhutan’s challenges and vulnerabilities in the
48 changing global and regional context; values and ethics; foundational leadership skills; right World Conference on Environment 2017 mindset and motivation for public service and a better understanding of Gross National A delegation led by the Hon. Chief Happiness (GNH) and its practical interpretations. Justice visited New Delhi to attend the The Hon. Chief Justice World Conference on Environment th th delivered lecture to the 2017 from 24 to 25 March, 2017. It second Foundational was organized by the National Green Leadership Program (FLP-2) Tribunal along with United Nations participants of RIGSS on 2nd Environment Program (UNEP), Asian December 2017. The lecture Development Bank (ADB), Ministry of covered constitutionalism, Environment, Forest and Climate Constitution, democracy and Change, Ministry of Water Resources, rule of law. Mr. Phuntsho River Development and Ganga Wangchuk, a Court Registrar of the Supreme Court was one of the thirty participants. Rejuvenation and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The Conference brought together Parliamentarians, Chief Justices, Judges, Environmentalists, Scientists, Lawyers, Academicians, executives in the field of environment, 4.5. Visits by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. students and other international and national delegates from across the globe. The Hon. Chief a. International Visits Justice of Bhutan chaired the session on Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity.
Second Southeast Asia Judicial Workshop on Cybercrime. The Hon. Chief Justice visited Bangkok to attend the ‘Second Southeast Asia Judicial Fourteenth UN International Day of Vesak and the International Buddhist Conference on Workshop on Cybercrime’ from 6th to 10th ‘Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace.' February, 2017 on the invitation of the The Hon. Chief Justice visited Colombo and th th Supreme Court of Thailand. The Workshop Kandy in Sri Lanka from 12 to 14 May, 2017 to was organized by the U.S. Embassy’s attend the Fourteenth UN International Day of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Vesak and the International Buddhist Conference Section in collaboration with the U.S. on ‘Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Department of Justice and the Thai Courts of Sustainable World Peace.’ The event was attended Justice. Dignitaries from Bhutan, Thailand, by over 400 participants from 100 countries. Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei and Singapore Commemorated by Buddhists world over with participated. The issues such as computer crimes and matters to consider in adjudicating these great devotion, Vesak was recognized complex types of crimes were deliberated. internationally through a resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1999.
49 changing global and regional context; values and ethics; foundational leadership skills; right World Conference on Environment 2017 mindset and motivation for public service and a better understanding of Gross National A delegation led by the Hon. Chief Happiness (GNH) and its practical interpretations. Justice visited New Delhi to attend the The Hon. Chief Justice World Conference on Environment th th delivered lecture to the 2017 from 24 to 25 March, 2017. It second Foundational was organized by the National Green Leadership Program (FLP-2) Tribunal along with United Nations participants of RIGSS on 2nd Environment Program (UNEP), Asian December 2017. The lecture Development Bank (ADB), Ministry of covered constitutionalism, Environment, Forest and Climate Constitution, democracy and Change, Ministry of Water Resources, rule of law. Mr. Phuntsho River Development and Ganga Wangchuk, a Court Registrar of the Supreme Court was one of the thirty participants. Rejuvenation and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The Conference brought together Parliamentarians, Chief Justices, Judges, Environmentalists, Scientists, Lawyers, Academicians, executives in the field of environment, 4.5. Visits by the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. students and other international and national delegates from across the globe. The Hon. Chief a. International Visits Justice of Bhutan chaired the session on Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity.
Second Southeast Asia Judicial Workshop on Cybercrime. The Hon. Chief Justice visited Bangkok to attend the ‘Second Southeast Asia Judicial Fourteenth UN International Day of Vesak and the International Buddhist Conference on Workshop on Cybercrime’ from 6th to 10th ‘Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace.' February, 2017 on the invitation of the The Hon. Chief Justice visited Colombo and th th Supreme Court of Thailand. The Workshop Kandy in Sri Lanka from 12 to 14 May, 2017 to was organized by the U.S. Embassy’s attend the Fourteenth UN International Day of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Vesak and the International Buddhist Conference Section in collaboration with the U.S. on ‘Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Department of Justice and the Thai Courts of Sustainable World Peace.’ The event was attended Justice. Dignitaries from Bhutan, Thailand, by over 400 participants from 100 countries. Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei and Singapore Commemorated by Buddhists world over with participated. The issues such as computer crimes and matters to consider in adjudicating these great devotion, Vesak was recognized complex types of crimes were deliberated. internationally through a resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1999.
50 The Eastern Zone Regional Conference on Waste Disposal & Management The International Conference on Environment The Hon. Chief Justice attended the The Hon. Chief Justice visited Guwahati International Conference on in India to attend the Eastern Zone Environment in New Delhi, India Regional Conference on Waste Disposal from 3rd to 5th October 2017. It was th th & Management from 8 to 10 organized by the International September, 2017. The event was Union for Conservation of Nature organized by the Eastern Zone of (IUCN), World Commission on National Green Tribunal, Kolkata in Environmental Law, the Global collaboration with the Govt. of Assam Judicial Institute of Environment, and State Pollution Control Board to United Nations Environment create awareness amongst people Program (UNEP) and the National regarding the importance of waste management and its effects. Delegates from around India and Green Tribunal of India. The purpose of the conference was to promote environmental awareness students from various schools of Guwahati participated. in South Asia. The Hon. Chief Justice co-chaired a session on Forests and use of clean and renewable energy. He emphasized that the climate change is not just an environmental problem adversely affecting Seventeenth Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific the fragile ecosystem and biodiversity, but a serious challenge to sustainable development and The Hon. Chief Justice visited Tokyo, Japan from the livelihood of our people- especially, the poor, given their lack of capacity to adapt and deal 18th to 21st September 2017 to attend the with the impacts of climate change. He also stated, ''upholding the principle of intergenerational Seventeenth Conference of Chief Justices of Asia equity- nurturing of society and economy, that is capable of meeting the demands of the present and the Pacific. The biennial conference brought without imperiling the needs of the future is not a choice but an imperative.'' together bar leaders, corporate members and B. In-country visits lawyers from across Asia Pacific to facilitate the discussion of regional developments in law, Dzongkhag and Dungkhag courts Recognizing the need to personally oversee including judicial practice, legal education and the functioning of the individual courts, learn cross-border dispute resolution. The conference and address challenges, update judicial served as a regional platform for sharing ideas, building professional networks, advocating for personnel on reforms and policies and to the rule of law and advancing the status of the legal profession in the Asia Pacific. inspire and encourage judicial personnel to work towards achieving Judiciary's objectives, the Hon. Chief Justice started visiting various Fourteenth SAARCLAW Conference & the Eleventh SAARC Chief Justices’ Conference courts across the country. The Hon. Chief Justice attended the Fourteenth SAARCLAW Conference & the Bumthang District Court. 31st March, 2017 Eleventh SAARC Chief Justices’ Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 27th to 29th October, 2017. The theme of the Conference was ‘Emerging Legal Trends in SAARC Countries.’ It was attended by South Asian judges, legal practitioners, academicians and law students.
51 The Eastern Zone Regional Conference on Waste Disposal & Management The International Conference on Environment The Hon. Chief Justice attended the The Hon. Chief Justice visited Guwahati International Conference on in India to attend the Eastern Zone Environment in New Delhi, India Regional Conference on Waste Disposal from 3rd to 5th October 2017. It was th th & Management from 8 to 10 organized by the International September, 2017. The event was Union for Conservation of Nature organized by the Eastern Zone of (IUCN), World Commission on National Green Tribunal, Kolkata in Environmental Law, the Global collaboration with the Govt. of Assam Judicial Institute of Environment, and State Pollution Control Board to United Nations Environment create awareness amongst people Program (UNEP) and the National regarding the importance of waste management and its effects. Delegates from around India and Green Tribunal of India. The purpose of the conference was to promote environmental awareness students from various schools of Guwahati participated. in South Asia. The Hon. Chief Justice co-chaired a session on Forests and use of clean and renewable energy. He emphasized that the climate change is not just an environmental problem adversely affecting Seventeenth Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific the fragile ecosystem and biodiversity, but a serious challenge to sustainable development and The Hon. Chief Justice visited Tokyo, Japan from the livelihood of our people- especially, the poor, given their lack of capacity to adapt and deal 18th to 21st September 2017 to attend the with the impacts of climate change. He also stated, ''upholding the principle of intergenerational Seventeenth Conference of Chief Justices of Asia equity- nurturing of society and economy, that is capable of meeting the demands of the present and the Pacific. The biennial conference brought without imperiling the needs of the future is not a choice but an imperative.'' together bar leaders, corporate members and B. In-country visits lawyers from across Asia Pacific to facilitate the discussion of regional developments in law, Dzongkhag and Dungkhag courts Recognizing the need to personally oversee including judicial practice, legal education and the functioning of the individual courts, learn cross-border dispute resolution. The conference and address challenges, update judicial served as a regional platform for sharing ideas, building professional networks, advocating for personnel on reforms and policies and to the rule of law and advancing the status of the legal profession in the Asia Pacific. inspire and encourage judicial personnel to work towards achieving Judiciary's objectives, the Hon. Chief Justice started visiting various Fourteenth SAARCLAW Conference & the Eleventh SAARC Chief Justices’ Conference courts across the country. The Hon. Chief Justice attended the Fourteenth SAARCLAW Conference & the Bumthang District Court. 31st March, 2017 Eleventh SAARC Chief Justices’ Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 27th to 29th October, 2017. The theme of the Conference was ‘Emerging Legal Trends in SAARC Countries.’ It was attended by South Asian judges, legal practitioners, academicians and law students.
52 Lhuentse District Court. 1st April, 2017. Mongar District Court. 2nd April, 2017.
Sarpang District Court. 22nd April, 2017. Gelephu Dungkhag Court. 22nd April, 2017.
Dagana District Court. 23rd April, 2017. Supreme Court, High Court, Thimphu District Court & Lingzhi Dungkhag Court. 26th April, 2017.
53 Lhuentse District Court. 1st April, 2017. Mongar District Court. 2nd April, 2017. Gasa District Court. 1st May, 2017. Punakha District Court. 2nd May, 2017.
Sarpang District Court. 22nd April, 2017. Gelephu Dungkhag Court. 22nd April, 2017.
Chukha District Court. 19th May, 2017 Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court. 19th May, 2017.
Dagana District Court. 23rd April, 2017. Supreme Court, High Court, Thimphu District Court & Lingzhi Dungkhag Court. 26th April, 2017. Lhamoizingkha Dungkhag Court. 19th May, 2017.
54 Samtse District Court. 20th May, 2017. Tashi Chhoeling Dungkhag Court. 20th May, 2017.
Dorokha Dungkhag Court. 20th May, 2017. Paro & Haa Dzongkhag Courts and Sombaykha
Dungkhag Court. 24th June, 2017.
55 4.6. International Visit by Drangpons 1. Drangpon Lhindup Zangpo, Lhuentse Dzongkhag Court, Second Southeast Asia Judicial Workshop on Cybercrime, Bangkok, Thailand, 6th to 10th February, 2017. (Accompanied the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan.)
2. Drangpon Bir Bahadur, Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Court, World Conference on Environment, New Delhi, India, 24th to 25th March, 2017. (Accompanied the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan.)
3. Drangpon Kesang Choden, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court, End to End Court Technology, Singapore, 10th to 14th July, 2017.
4. Drangpon Pema Rinzin and Drangpon Kinley Dorji, High Court, Conference on Samtse District Court. 20th May, 2017. Tashi Chhoeling Dungkhag Court. 20th May, 2017. Harmonization of Commercial Law, Bangkok, Thailand- 3rd September to 6th September, 2017.
5. Drangpon Duba Dukpa, High Court, Eastern Zone Regional Workshop on Waste Disposal and Management, Guwahati, India, 8th to 10th September, 2017. (Accompanied the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan.)
6. Drangpon Kinley Namgay, Chief Judge, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court, 17th Conference of the Chief Justices of Asia and Pacific, Tokyo, Japan, 18th to 21st September, 2017. (Accompanied the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan.)
7. Drangpon Rinchen Penjor, Regional Meeting for South and South East Asian Countries on Effective Central Authorities for International Judicial Cooperation in Terrorist Case, Maldives, 5th October to 9th October, 2017.
8. Drangpon Kinley Namgay, Chief Judge, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court, Regional Workshop on International Cooperation in Financial Investigation, Money Laundering and Recovery of Assets, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 15th October to 21st October, 2017. Dorokha Dungkhag Court. 20th May, 2017. Paro & Haa Dzongkhag Courts and Sombaykha 9. Drangpon Ugyen Tshering, Trongsa Dzongkhag Court, International Conference on th Dungkhag Court. 24 June, 2017. Constitutional Amendments, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 16th October to 22nd October, 2017.
10. Drangpon Ugyen Tshering, Trongsa Dzongkhag Court and Drangpon Pelden Wangmo, Paro Dzongkhag Court, SAARCLAW Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27th to 29th October, 2017. (Accompanied the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan.)
11. Drangpon Pema Choden, Thimphu Dzongkhag Court and Drangpon Dechen Wangmo, Public Notary Office, Conference on Corporate Governance, Manila, Philippines, 18th November to 24th November, 2017.
12. Drangpon Thongjay, Gelephu Dungkhag Court, Regional Courses in International Law (Asia-Pacific), Bangkok, Thailand, 20th November to 15th December, 2017.
55 56 4.7. Civil Service Award 2017 Accounts Fifty-two judicial personnel were recognized with Civil Service Awards for their ten/twenty/ 22 Pema Wangchen Assistant Silver Phuntsholing thirty years of service/lifetime service to the nation. One received lifetime service medal, one received gold medal for their thirty years of service, twenty received silver medals for their 23 Karma Dorji Drangpon Bronze Tsirang twenty years of service and thirty received bronze medals for their ten years of service. 24 Lhindup Zangpo Drangpon Bronze Lhuentse Sl. Name of award No. of dedicated 25 Sonam Penjor Bench clerk Bronze Supreme Court No. recipients Designation Service Court 26 Tshering Tobgay Bench clerk Bronze Supreme Court 1 Namgyel Wangdi Bench Clerk Life time Punakha Personal 2 Tenzin Dhendup Bench clerk Gold Nganglam 27 Yeshi Choden Assistant Bronze Supreme Court Armed Forces 28 Kinley Bidha Messenger Bronze High Court 3 Tashi Dorji Thrimdag Silver Court Personal Thimphu 29 Kinzang Lhaden Assistant Bronze High Court 4 Pasang Wangmo Drangpon Silver Dzongkhag 30 Lungten Wangmo Messenger Bronze High Court 5 Phurba Dorji Drangpon Silver Bumthang Sr. Accounts Samdrup 31 Namgyel Dorji Officer Bronze High Court 6 Bir Bahadur Drangpon Silver Jongkhar Personal 7 Chador Phuntsho Drangpon Silver Dagana 32 Pema Lhamo Assistant Bronze High Court 8 Norbu Drangpon silver Zhemgang Personal 33 Ram Bahadur Mukhia Assistant Bronze High Court 9 Late Wang Gyeltshen Drangpon Silver Zhemgang Thimphu 10 Pema Needup Drangpon Silver Punakha 34 Gyem Accountant Bronze Dzongkhag 11 Sonam Gyeltshen Drangpon Silver Mongar Thimphu 35 Ngawang Lhamo Bench clerk Bronze Dzongkhag 12 Ugyen Jamtsho Drangpon Silver Samtse Thimphu 13 Dechen Pem Bench clerk Silver High Court 36 Tshering Yangdon Bench clerk Bronze Dzongkhag 14 Karma Bench clerk Silver High Court 37 Tshering Dorji Messenger Bronze Bumthang Thimphu Personal 15 Yeshi Dema Bench clerk Silver Dzongkhag 38 Yeshi Choden Assistant Bronze Bumthang Thimphu Samdrup 16 Sangay Zangmo Bench clerk Silver Dzongkhag 39 Norbu Zangpo Dispatcher Bronze Jongkhar 17 Deo Kumari Chettri Bench Clerk Silver Dagana Samdrup 18 Dorji Messenger Silver Dagana 40 Jamtsho Night Guard Bronze Jongkhar 41 Karma Lhachi Dispatcher Bronze Punakha 19 Dechen Dema Bench Clerk Silver Samtse 42 Pema Wangchuk Messenger Bronze Punakha 20 Dorji Wangchuk Bench clerk Silver Wamrong 43 Phurpa Driver Bronze Trongsa 21 Karma Wangmo Bench clerk Silver Phuntsholing 44 Sangay Lhamo Dispatcher Bronze Trongsa 45 Daza Dispatcher Bronze Nganglam 57 Personal 46 Younten Jamtsho Assistant Bronze Lhuntse 4.7. Civil Service Award 2017 Accounts Fifty-two judicial personnel were recognized with Civil Service Awards for their ten/twenty/ 22 Pema Wangchen Assistant Silver Phuntsholing thirty years of service/lifetime service to the nation. One received lifetime service medal, one received gold medal for their thirty years of service, twenty received silver medals for their 23 Karma Dorji Drangpon Bronze Tsirang twenty years of service and thirty received bronze medals for their ten years of service. 24 Lhindup Zangpo Drangpon Bronze Lhuentse Sl. Name of award No. of dedicated 25 Sonam Penjor Bench clerk Bronze Supreme Court No. recipients Designation Service Court 26 Tshering Tobgay Bench clerk Bronze Supreme Court 1 Namgyel Wangdi Bench Clerk Life time Punakha Personal 2 Tenzin Dhendup Bench clerk Gold Nganglam 27 Yeshi Choden Assistant Bronze Supreme Court Armed Forces 28 Kinley Bidha Messenger Bronze High Court 3 Tashi Dorji Thrimdag Silver Court Personal Thimphu 29 Kinzang Lhaden Assistant Bronze High Court 4 Pasang Wangmo Drangpon Silver Dzongkhag 30 Lungten Wangmo Messenger Bronze High Court 5 Phurba Dorji Drangpon Silver Bumthang Sr. Accounts Samdrup 31 Namgyel Dorji Officer Bronze High Court 6 Bir Bahadur Drangpon Silver Jongkhar Personal 7 Chador Phuntsho Drangpon Silver Dagana 32 Pema Lhamo Assistant Bronze High Court 8 Norbu Drangpon silver Zhemgang Personal 33 Ram Bahadur Mukhia Assistant Bronze High Court 9 Late Wang Gyeltshen Drangpon Silver Zhemgang Thimphu 10 Pema Needup Drangpon Silver Punakha 34 Gyem Accountant Bronze Dzongkhag 11 Sonam Gyeltshen Drangpon Silver Mongar Thimphu 35 Ngawang Lhamo Bench clerk Bronze Dzongkhag 12 Ugyen Jamtsho Drangpon Silver Samtse Thimphu 13 Dechen Pem Bench clerk Silver High Court 36 Tshering Yangdon Bench clerk Bronze Dzongkhag 14 Karma Bench clerk Silver High Court 37 Tshering Dorji Messenger Bronze Bumthang Thimphu Personal 15 Yeshi Dema Bench clerk Silver Dzongkhag 38 Yeshi Choden Assistant Bronze Bumthang Thimphu Samdrup 16 Sangay Zangmo Bench clerk Silver Dzongkhag 39 Norbu Zangpo Dispatcher Bronze Jongkhar 17 Deo Kumari Chettri Bench Clerk Silver Dagana Samdrup 18 Dorji Messenger Silver Dagana 40 Jamtsho Night Guard Bronze Jongkhar 41 Karma Lhachi Dispatcher Bronze Punakha 19 Dechen Dema Bench Clerk Silver Samtse 42 Pema Wangchuk Messenger Bronze Punakha 20 Dorji Wangchuk Bench clerk Silver Wamrong 43 Phurpa Driver Bronze Trongsa 21 Karma Wangmo Bench clerk Silver Phuntsholing 44 Sangay Lhamo Dispatcher Bronze Trongsa 45 Daza Dispatcher Bronze Nganglam Personal 58 46 Younten Jamtsho Assistant Bronze Lhuntse Dzongkhag DzongkhagThimphu 36 Tshering Yangdon Bench clerk Bronze ThimphuDzongkhag 3637 TsheringTsheringYangdonDorji BenchMessenger clerk BronzeBronze DzongkhagBumthang 37 Tshering Dorji MessengerPersonal Bronze Bumthang 38 Yeshi Choden PersonalAssistant Bronze Bumthang 38 Yeshi Choden Assistant Bronze BumthangSamdrup 39 Norbu Zangpo Dispatcher Bronze SamdrupJongkhar 39 Norbu Zangpo Dispatcher Bronze JSamdrupongkhar 40 Jamtsho Night Guard Bronze SamdrupJongkhar 4041 JamtshoKarma Lhachi NightDispatcher Guard BronzeBronze JPunakhaongkhar Obituary The Judiciary of Bhutan grieves the untimely demise of Drangpon 4142 KarmaPema WangchukLhachi DispatcherMessenger BronzeBronze PunakhaPunakha Wang Gyeltshen of Zhemgang Dzongkhag Court who passed away at 4243 PemaPhurpa Wangchuk MessengerDriver BronzeBronze PunakhaTrongsa the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital on 13th June 4344 PhurpaSangay Lhamo DriverDispatcher BronzeBronze TrongsaTrongsa 2017. Late Drangpon was born on 6th June, 1969 at Lauri, Samdrup 44 Sangay Lhamo Dispatcher Bronze Trongsa Jongkhar. He started his career in 1995 as a trainee officer. His Majesty 45 Daza Dispatcher Bronze Nganglam the Druk Gyalpo appointed him as the Drangpon of Zhemgang 45 Daza DispatcherPersonal Bronze Nganglam Dzongkhag Court on 1st October, 2013. His friends and colleagues 46 Younten Jamtsho PersonalAssistant Bronze Lhuntse remember him as a kind, dedicated and a loving friend. His demise is a 4647 YountenMendel DorjiJamtsho AssistantBench clerk BroBronzenze LhuntseLingzhi great loss to his family, friends and the Judiciary.
4748 MendelPema Dema Dorji BenchDispatcher clerk BronzeBronze LingzhiGasa Challenges Challenges 4849 PemaSangayDema Wangchuk DispatcherMessenger BronzeBronze GasaWeringla The expectations of the people from the Judiciary as an organization that adjudicates and The expectations of the people from the Judiciary as an organization that adjudicates and 49 Sangay Wangchuk Messenger Bronze Weringla resolves dispute, as they are, perhaps, on a daily basis affected by rapid changes in terms of their 50 Sonam Zangmo Messenger Bronze Trashigang resolvespolitical, dispute, social, culturalas they are,and perhaps,legal relationships on a daily isbasis not affectedunfounded. by rapidWhile changes such changes in terms generate of their 5051 SonamCheki WangmoZangmo MessengerDispatcher BronzeBronze TPemarashigangGatshel political,promises social, of hop culturale and of and new legal beginnings, relationships it also is not presents unfounded. unprecedented While such challenges changes generate for the promises of hope and of new beginnings, it also presents unprecedented challenges for the 5152 ChekiTshewangWangmoRinzin DispatcherBench clerk BronzeBronze PemaDorokhaGatshel Judiciary. In the Judiciary’s quest to improve continually and fulfill its mandate it continues to Judiciary.face some In of the the Judiciary’s old challenges quest and to improve thus the continually challenges listedand fulfill below its maymandate not necesit continuessarily be to 52 Tshewang Rinzin Bench clerk Bronze Dorokha faceexclusive some of of the the ones old mentioned challenges in and the previous thus the reports. challenges listed below may not necessarily be exclusive of the ones mentioned in the previous reports. 1. Financial constraint Recitation of Kanjur at the Supreme Court 1. Financial Dependency The role of the judiciary is central to the concepts of justice and rule of law. The th th The role of the judiciary is central to the concepts of justice and rule of law. The RecitationKanjur was of recited Kanjur from at the5 toSupreme 7 June, Court 2017 at Judiciary continues to receive the minimum budget allocation over the years. The th th Judiciary continues to receive the minimum budget allocation over the years. The Kanjurthe Supremewas recited Court from by 5 theto 7judicialJune, 2017 staff atof Judiciary has to depend on the budget sanctioned and controlled by the government. The Judiciary has to depend on the budget sanctioned and controlled by the government. The various courts in the country. The first day of financial dependency of the Judiciary is one of the impediments in delivering the the Supreme Court by the judicial staff of financial dependency of the Judiciary is one of the impediments in delivering the mandates of the Judiciary. variousthe recitation courts in was the country. graced byThe thefirstTshoghi day of mandates of the Judiciary. theLopen recitation of the Zhung was gracedDratshang by andthe theTshoghi Hon. 2. Human Resource inadequacy LopenChief Justice of the Zhung of Bhutan.Dratshang The final and day the of Hon. the 2. Human Resource Dependency TheThe effective human resource management not not only only enablesenables superior superior performance performance but but Chiefrecitation Justice was ofgraced Bhutan. by The the Gaytshogfinal day ofLopen the alsoalso increases morale, employee perceptionperception ofof fairnessfairness andand self self--worth.worth. Human Human resource resource is is recitationwhich ended was graced with the by the offering Gaytshog of GonpoiLopen anan institutional necessity. A Judiciary Judiciary equipped equipped with with competent, competent, professional professional and and whichTongtshog ended and with prayers the for offering the well of -being Gonpoiof committedcommitted personnelpersonnel will administer justice justice impartially, impartially, speedily, speedily, effectively effectively and and TongtshogHis Majesty and the prayers Druk Gyalpo for the, wellHis - Majestybeing of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Members of the Royal independently.independently. This requires thethe JudiciaryJudiciary ttoo havehave independencyindependency ininrrecruitingecruiting, ,s electingselecting HisFamily, Majesty the people the Druk and Gyalpoall sentient, Hi sbeings. Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Members of the Royal andand appointing its personnel. Family, the people and all sentient beings. However,However, the RCSC continues to to be be the the central central personnel personnel agency agency for for all all judicial judicial personnelpersonnel except DrangponsDrangpons and DrangponDrangpon Rabjams.Rabjams. TheThe JudiciaryJudiciary isis oftenoften denied denied the the requiredrequired number of personnel itit hashas requisitionedrequisitioned byby thethe RCSC.RCSC. This Thisaffectsaffectsthethe appraisal appraisal ofof the performances and recognitions ofof itsits personnel.personnel. The The recruitment,recruitment, s selectionelection and and appointmentappointment by the RCSCRCSC undermines thethe personnelpersonnel independencyindependency of of judiciary. judiciary.
ANNEXURE
59 Notifications and Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan has issued several Notifications and Orders to the courts in order to clarify the anomalies in the application of laws and court process. These Notifications and Orders have brought consistency in the procedures and expedited the adjudication of cases. The following are the Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan issued in 2017: Dzongkhag Thimphu 36 Tshering Yangdon Bench clerk Bronze Dzongkhag 37 Tshering Dorji Messenger Bronze Bumthang Personal 38 Yeshi Choden Assistant Bronze Bumthang Samdrup 39 Norbu Zangpo Dispatcher Bronze Jongkhar Samdrup 40 Jamtsho Night Guard Bronze Jongkhar 41 Karma Lhachi Dispatcher Bronze Punakha Obituary The Judiciary of Bhutan grieves the untimely demise of Drangpon 42 Pema Wangchuk Messenger Bronze Punakha Wang Gyeltshen of Zhemgang Dzongkhag Court who passed away at 43 Phurpa Driver Bronze Trongsa the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital on 13th June 44 Sangay Lhamo Dispatcher Bronze Trongsa 2017. Late Drangpon was born on 6th June, 1969 at Lauri, Samdrup Jongkhar. He started his career in 1995 as a trainee officer. His Majesty 45 Daza Dispatcher Bronze Nganglam the Druk Gyalpo appointed him as the Drangpon of Zhemgang Personal Dzongkhag Court on 1st October, 2013. His friends and colleagues 46 Younten Jamtsho Assistant Bronze Lhuntse remember him as a kind, dedicated and a loving friend. His demise is a 47 Mendel Dorji Bench clerk Bronze Lingzhi great loss to his family, friends and the Judiciary.
48 Pema Dema Dispatcher Bronze Gasa Challenges Challenges 49 Sangay Wangchuk Messenger Bronze Weringla The expectations of the people from the Judiciary as an organization that adjudicates and Theresolves expectations dispute, as of they the are, people perhaps, from on thea daily Judiciary basis affected as an organizatioby rapid changesn that in adjudicates terms of their and 50 Sonam Zangmo Messenger Bronze Trashigang resolvespolitical, dispute, social, culturalas they are,and perhaps,legal relationships on a daily isbasis not affectedunfounded. by rapidWhile changes such changes in terms generate of their 51 Cheki Wangmo Dispatcher Bronze Pema Gatshel political,promises social, of hop culturale and of and new legal beginnings, relationships it also is not presents unfounded. unprecedented While such challenges changes generate for the promises of hope and of new beginnings, it also presents unprecedented challenges for the 52 Tshewang Rinzin Bench clerk Bronze Dorokha Judiciary. In the Judiciary’s quest to improve continually and fulfill its mandate it continues to Judiciary.face some In of the the Judiciary’s old challenges quest and to improve thus the continually challenges listedand fulfill below its maymandate not necesit continuessarily be to faceexclusive some of of the the ones old mentioned challenges in and the previous thus the reports. challenges listed below may not necessarily be exclusive of the ones mentioned in the previous reports. 1. Financial constraint Recitation of Kanjur at the Supreme Court 1. Financial Dependency The role of the judiciary is central to the concepts of justice and rule of law. The Kanjur was recited from 5th to 7th June, 2017 at The role of the judiciary is central to the concepts of justice and rule of law. The JudiciaryJudiciary continues to receive the the minimum minimum budget budget allocation allocation over over the the years. years. The The the Supreme Court by the judicial staff of Judiciary has to depend on the budget sanctioned and controlled by the government. The Judiciary has to depend on the budget sanctioned and controlled by the government. The various courts in the country. The first day of financial dependency of the Judiciary is one of the impediments in delivering the financial dependency of the Judiciary is one of the impediments in delivering the mandates of the Judiciary. the recitation was graced by the Tshoghi mandates of the Judiciary. Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang and the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan. The final day of the 2. H2.uman Human Resource ResourceDependencyinadequacy TheThe effective human resource management not not only only enablesenables superior superior performance performance but but recitation was graced by the Gaytshog Lopen alsoalso increases morale, employee perceptionperception ofof fairnessfairness andand self self--worth.worth. Human Human resource resource is is which ended with the offering of Gonpoi anan institutional necessity. A Judiciary Judiciary equipped equipped with with competent, competent, professional professional and and Tongtshog and prayers for the well-being of committedcommitted personnelpersonnel will administer justice justice impartially, impartially, speedily, speedily, effectively effectively and and His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Members of the Royal independently.independently. This requires thethe JudiciaryJudiciary ttoo havehave independencyindependency ininrrecruitingecruiting, ,s electingselecting Family, the people and all sentient beings. andand appointing its personnel.
However,However, the RCSC continues to to be be the the central central personnel personnel agency agency for for all all judicial judicial personnelpersonnel except DrangponsDrangpons and DrangponDrangpon Rabjams.Rabjams. TheThe JudiciaryJudiciary isis oftenoften denied denied the the requiredrequired number of personnel itit hashas requisitionedrequisitioned byby thethe RCSC.RCSC. This Thisaffectsaffectsthethe appraisal appraisal ofof the performances and recognitions ofof itsits personnel.personnel. The The recruitment,recruitment, s selectionelection and and appointmentappointment by the RCSCRCSC undermines thethe personnelpersonnel independencyindependency of of judiciary. judiciary.
ANNEXURE
59 Notifications and Orders from the Hon. Chief60 Justice of Bhutan The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan has issued several Notifications and Orders to the courts in order to clarify the anomalies in the application of laws and court process. These Notifications and Orders have brought consistency in the procedures and expedited the adjudication of cases. The following are the Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan issued in 2017: ANNEXURE
Notifications and Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan has issued several Notifications and Orders to the courts in order to clarify the anomalies in the application of laws and court process. These Notifications and Orders have brought consistency in the procedures and expedited the adjudication of cases. The following are the Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice issued in 2017:
61 ANNEXURE
Notifications and Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan The Hon. Chief Justice of Bhutan has issued several Notifications and Orders to the courts in order to clarify the anomalies in the application of laws and court process. These Notifications and Orders have brought consistency in the procedures and expedited the adjudication of cases. The following are the Orders from the Hon. Chief Justice issued in 2017:
62 63 64 65 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 73 74 75 76 77 77 78 79 80 81 81 82 83 84 85