THE IMPACT OF THE CORONA PANDEMIC ON LITIGATION IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

There has been a decline in the percentage of traditional crimes with the increase of other types of crimes due to the pandemic, especially with the home quarantine and the closure of flights, as it is difficult for criminal networks to carry out their activities in theft, smuggling and others.   But on the other hand, the percentage of other types of crimes that are trying to make a profit, taking advantage of the outbreak of the disease, such as crimes of active information fraud across continents, has increased, with families confined to homes.   These cases are affected by emergency conditions and are limited according to their source, possibility of conducting them, their importance and those related to them and their conditions, so each case has its independent consideration related to temporary conditions.   As for the cases that are receding or hidden in the days of Corona, they are affected by the emergency situation, and for example, but not limited to, we find cases related to its criminal aspect, such as speculation and attacks, which have clearly and remarkably receded as a result of the quarantine, but at the same time, we find that commercial judicial sessions that are not related to the quarantine have been affected. Pleading from a distance because it does not require an inspection or the like and only requires a process of organization and attention from the Supreme Judicial Council and the Ministry of Justice and the formation of specialized teams to conduct and accomplish what can be completed and proceeded with.   There are 3 types of actions taken:    The first: cases of information crimes. The prosecution follows up on those violations that fall within the scope of crimes against information crimes, and refers them to investigation and takes initial measures, and the consideration in the end is for the criminal court later.   Second: Violations related to state orders, such as bans and curfews, are resolved promptly and measures are taken.   Third: Criminal offenses in which regular procedures are taken and referral to the judiciary for decision at a later time.   It can be said that the first thing that was monitored and sparked legal discussions is labor issues, and disputes of lax contracts, such as long lease contracts, investment and trade contracts and hotel investment contracts, and this directly affected the contractual relationship between the worker and the employer, as the pandemic affected the implementation of lax, commercial and investment contracts. .   It can be said that all contract disputes are now in the forefront because of the problems they raise and need a word from the judiciary to address these disputes. On the other hand, at this stage the legal procedures for new projects, procedures for paper judicial terminations, issues of administrative disputes, personal status, and human rights claims have receded.   The most prominent legal aspect that is emerging these days is the salaries of employees in the private sector, and the controversy over the interpretation of decisions, especially with the great discrepancy in the economic, financial, administrative and institutional aspects in all companies of all sizes.    Despite the current circumstances and the suspension of work in the courts, several cases have emerged, the most prominent of which is labor and protesting the text of Article 41 added to the Labor Law regarding regulating the relationship between the employer and workers from reducing salaries according to the number of working hours or granting them leave from their balance without being subjected to unfair dismissal against the worker, subject to approval The worker, as well as issues related to the penalties and fines imposed by the Ministry of Health on health institutions that violate the system and the imposition of penalties and fines on facilities that violate the Corona pandemic in reporting suspected cases and not taking preventive measures with patients, which has already appeared among many workers in their failure to take caution. It was a cause of transmission of the virus and infection to others.   As a result, the Ministry of Justice has taken measures that keep pace with the current situation, which requires ensuring the safety of its auditors and the conduct of work matters. It was satisfied with providing a number of electronic services to the auditors, while enabling litigants and lawyers to follow up their cases through the (Najez) website and printing the instruments electronically, as well as providing a unified number to respond to the complaints. Any inquiries, and attend the sessions electronically (online).   The Public Prosecution also suspended the reviews of its branches, and completed its preparations and readiness for remote interrogation procedures according to high-quality professional standards, by documenting the procedure in audio and video through a secure and encrypted communication network to ensure complete privacy and reliability with the control authorities, as part of its precautionary measures to prevent the Corona virus.