Challenges Facing the Casablanca Courts: A Call for Action
In an alarming response to increasing criticism from attorneys regarding the chronic delays and inefficiencies in the Casablanca courts, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has been formally questioned by Hind Rtel Bennani, a member of the Justice and Development Party (PJD). This inquiry, which has reached the parliamentary level, highlights serious concerns about the ongoing deterioration of operational conditions within several judicial institutions in Morocco's economic capital. Legal professionals have been vocal about their frustrations, citing excessively long wait times, protracted processing delays, and cumbersome procedures that have only intensified in recent weeks.
Bennani's inquiry underscores a "concerning situation" particularly affecting civil and social courts, characterized by prolonged queues, delays in processing judicial fees, and significant challenges in executing court orders. The parliamentarian has pointed out critical issues such as a shortage of human resources, overly complex procedures, and persistent delays in the execution of decisions, particularly in relation to insurance companies. These sentiments are echoed by numerous sources gathered on the ground, who report escalating tensions within the first-instance civil court in Casablanca.
System Inefficiencies and Impact on Legal Practices
Legal practitioners have reported that basic administrative tasks can take several hours to complete, with one attorney noting that even simple formalities may require waiting for extended periods. The payment process for a petition, for instance, can consume half a day despite the recent introduction of a ticketing system aimed at managing the influx of cases. The anticipated benefits of digitalization have yet to materialize, as practitioners claim that while an online platform exists, it fails to adequately address all requests. Moreover, there are alarming reports that online submissions do not expedite processing times; in some cases, they even result in longer waits compared to traditional physical submissions.
This disorganized system imposes a dual burden on legal professionals. Even when a request is filed online, often the individual must visit the court in person to finalize or monitor the procedure. Many operations remain largely manual, with documents submitted through the platform needing to be physically handled by court clerks for processing. This reality breeds uncertainty around processing timelines, with one attorney warning that the absence of guaranteed processing times can pose significant risks to their professional undertakings.
Additionally, internal tensions have surfaced within court staff, with reports of recent protests among clerical personnel related to overwhelming workloads and inadequate staffing resources. These developments not only reflect the structural inefficiencies of the judicial system but also call for immediate action to address the pressing needs of both legal professionals and the citizens they serve.
As reported by medias24.com.
