MPs Address High Legal Fees in Jabmi Amendment Bill Deliberations

During the deliberation of the Jabmi (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan, Members of Parliament (MPs) raised significant concerns regarding the high legal fees charged by lawyers and Jabmis. These fees are perceived to hinder access to justice for financially disadvantaged citizens. The discussion took place during the 16th Sitting of the National Council.

Concerns Over Accessibility

Wangdue Phodrang MP Phub Dorji highlighted that a substantial portion of the population is deprived of justice due to the inability to afford high legal fees, leading to compromised service quality. Lhuentse MP Kelzang Lhundup echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for structural frameworks to make legal services more accessible to vulnerable populations.

Geographical Disparities

Gasa MP Tshering pointed out the geographical inequalities in the availability of Jabmi Tshogdes, noting their presence mainly in Thimphu, Phuentsholing, and Paro, while other dzongkhags lack such services. This disparity further limits access to legal assistance for residents in less-served regions.

Regulatory Measures and Pro Bono Services

The Legislative Committee acknowledged the concerns but cautioned that imposing fee structures might discourage legal practice. Instead, the committee proposed enhancing pro bono and legal aid services to support vulnerable populations. The amendment aims to strengthen the legal system by improving professional standards through certification processes, legal training, and monitoring of legal conduct.

For more detailed information, refer to the original article by The Bhutanese: MPs raise the issue of high legal fees during the deliberation of the Jabmi (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan.