Citizens may be able to challenge regulations of khokimiyats and local councils in court: administrative justice reform presented to the President

Citizens may get the right to challenge regulations of khokimiyats and local councils (kengashes) directly in an administrative court. This and other proposals for developing administrative court proceedings were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 22 September 2026. The head of state backed them, but they have not yet been enacted.

Drawing on foreign experience, about 15 new legal institutions are proposed in total. Their aim is to strengthen judicial control over decisions of state bodies and restore the violated rights of citizens and entrepreneurs more effectively.

What is proposed

• The right to challenge regulations of khokimiyats and local councils in an administrative court — citizens do not have it now, even when such acts violate their rights
• Four types of claim instead of the single existing one
• A review of the current six-month time limit for going to court: claims seeking recognition that a state body broke the law could be filed without any time limit

New powers for courts

Courts will be able to assess whether state bodies use their discretionary powers lawfully and reasonably. They will also check whether measures applied to citizens and businesses comply with the constitutional principle of proportionality.

If an official still fails to comply with a court decision after being fined for non-compliance, the court will notify the prosecutor. The prosecutor can then take the measures provided by law.

What applies now

Until the Code of Administrative Court Procedure is amended, the existing rules and time limits apply. This includes the six-month deadline for applying to an administrative court.

What this means in practice. If a decision of a khokimiyat or another state body violates your rights, do not count on time limits being lifted in future. The six-month deadline for applying to an administrative court still applies. Keep copies of decisions, notices and correspondence with state bodies.

Photo: Tahrirchi yigit, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)