State Council, Shura approve Omani penal code, send to His Majesty

Muscat: During the meeting on Tuesday, the articles of disagreement between the State Council and Majlis Al Shura in the Omani Penal Code were approved and forwarded to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said supported with the opinion of both councils.
The articles received extensive examination and were thoroughly discussed at the joint meeting, headed by Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council, in the presence of Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of the Shura Council, the honourable members of the State Council and Majlis Al Shura, along with the Secretary Generals of both the Councils.
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Dr Yahya welcomed the Council members and extended his congratulations during the holy month of Ramadan and the advent of Eid Al Fitr, and also prayed for the members’ well-being.
The State Council chairman explained that the two bodies have discussed the draft Omani Penal Code, agreed on many of the articles and identified articles on which they did not concur.
The joint meeting included discussions and voting about each article to resolve the differences between the two councils.
Dr. Yahya praised the attitude displayed at the joint meeting, which confirmed the trust of the the people to meaningfully debate in the public interest, and thanked all for their participation.
The meeting was held in pursuant to the provisions of Article (58 bis 37) of the Basic Law of the State, which declares, “In case of differences between the two councils, they shall hold a joint meeting under the chairmanship of the Chairman of Majlis Al Dawla, and by his invitation, to discuss differences and then vote on the draft law during the same meeting.
The absolute majority of the members present shall adopt the decisions, and in all cases, the Chairman of Majlis Al Shura shall submit the draft to His Majesty the Sultan, along with the opinion of the two Councils.”
He pointed out that the session would be dedicated to extensive discussions on the draft Oman penal code assigned by the Council of Ministers with the report of the Majlis Al Shura, in addition to the report prepared by the Legal Committee of the State Council.
Additionally, Dr. Yahya praised the Legal Committee’s efforts in the preparation and conclusion of the study.
The draft Omani Penal Code is one of the most important draft laws, which aims to protect individual rights and freedoms, and preserves the integrity and security of society.