Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the seventh plenary session of the Senate, the Law “On Amendments and Additions to the Code of Administrative Liability of the Republic of Uzbekistan” was reviewed.

During the discussion, it was noted that the country is consistently implementing large-scale reforms aimed at building a humane and democratic state, where the highest values are recognized as life, freedom, honor, and human dignity. These transformations are reflected in the updated Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which enshrines guarantees of citizens’ rights and freedoms, including protection of victims’ rights.

The adopted Law is a logical continuation of the ongoing reforms and is aimed at further improving law enforcement practice in the administrative sphere. It was emphasized that today certain types of administrative offenses have lost their social significance, and their number has significantly decreased.

Furthermore, the Code currently provides for liability under several articles for the same act, creating legal uncertainty.

The Law aims to eliminate such duplications and bring the Code’s provisions into a logically consistent system. In particular, it provides for the abolition of administrative liability for a number of acts which, in terms of their degree of social danger, do not require strict punitive measures. This approach reflects the desire to ensure justice and proportionality in punishments.

For instance, a specific provision clarifies liability for smoking tobacco products in prohibited places, which is currently fixed in several articles, including Article 561, to eliminate legal conflicts and improve the clarity of law interpretation.

Additionally, the Law introduces provisions stipulating that the initiation of cases on certain offenses provided for in the Code is permitted only upon receipt of an official complaint from the victim. This once again underscores the importance of protecting citizens’ rights and interests and helps reduce formalism in case proceedings.

Corresponding adjustments have also been made to other articles of the Code, taking into account the logic of the administrative reform being carried out within the framework of the “New Uzbekistan” concept.

Senators noted that the adoption of this Law will contribute to strengthening human rights guarantees, ensuring the principle of proportionality in applying administrative sanctions, reducing the workload of competent state bodies, and encouraging pre-trial resolution of conflicts between citizens.

Following the discussion, the Law was approved by the members of the Senate.