Supreme Court proposes specialised commercial courts nationwide

The Supreme Court (SC) has submitted a proposal to the law ministry recommending the establishment of specialised commercial courts across the country to ensure faster and more efficient resolution of business-related disputes.
Supreme Court authorities finalised the proposal after consulting various stakeholders. To this end, they held seminars at different times across the country.
According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court administration on Monday, the initiative aims to create a more dynamic and transparent investment environment, boost investor confidence, and accelerate the country's economic growth.
The proposal seeks to bring a wide range of disputes under the jurisdiction of commercial courts, including cases related to import-export activities, aviation and shipping, and construction and infrastructure projects. It also covers franchise agreements, distribution and licensing matters, and technology development disputes.
In addition, the courts would handle intellectual property issues, such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs, domain names, and geographical indications, ensuring a specialised forum for modern business and investment-related cases.
It also covers insurance, partnership agreements, financial institutions, service sector matters, and shareholder or joint venture disputes.
To ensure effective functioning, the proposal recommends appointing commercial court judges from among judicial officers at the level of District and Sessions Judge and establishing a dedicated commercial appellate bench in the High Court Division.
Mediation would be mandatory before filing a case, aiming to resolve many disputes out of court and reduce the judiciary's burden.
The proposal sets a threshold of Tk 5.0 million or more for cases to be heard in commercial courts, while allowing the government to revise this limit.
It also calls for strict timelines: final hearings in commercial courts are to be completed within 90 days, appeals in the High Court within six months, and cases in the Appellate Division within three months.
The plan stresses the need for adequate infrastructure, training, and continuous professional development for judges and lawyers.

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