Muscat – Specialised departments have been introduced within the sultanate’s judiciary to handle cases related to crimes against the security and prestige of the state following a decision issued by Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan al Busaidi, Vice-Chairman of Supreme Judicial Council.

Issued on March 27, Decision No 149/2025 draws on provisions of the Judicial Authority Law (Royal Decree No 90/99), Criminal Procedure Law (Royal Decree No 97/99) and Royal Decree No 35/2022 concerning judicial administration. It aims to enhance judicial efficiency and focus on matters of national significance.

Under the directive, courts of first instance in Muscat, Seeb, Salalah, Nizwa, Suhar, Rustaq, Buraimi, Sur, Ibra, Ibri, Duqm, and Khasab will establish departments to oversee misdemeanour cases linked to offences affecting state security. Each department will also have jurisdiction over cases arising in the area covered by its corresponding Court of Appeal.

Similar departments will be set up in courts of appeal in the same wilayats to handle felony cases related to state security.

The decision took effect following its publication in the Official Gazette on Sunday.