Lok Sabha Question No. 190 (STARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Bilateral Legal Cooperation with Morocco
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *190 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 01 st  AUGUST, 2025

## Bilateral Legal Cooperation with Morocco

*190. Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram:

- Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state: (a)  the objective and features of the agreement signed between India and Morocco for Bilateral Legal Cooperation; (b) the manner in which the Government is working to improve legal modernisation through Indo-Moroccan collaboration; and (c) the details on the wider diplomatic and developmental outcomes achieved through
- these legal and technological exchanges?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a) to (c) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED  QUESTION  NO. *190 FOR  ANSWER  ON  01-08-2025  REGARDING 'BILATERAL LEGAL COOPERATION WITH MOROCCO'

- (a) The objective and features of the agreement signed between India and Morocco i.e. Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) for promoting fruitful cooperation in the Judicial and legal spheres, this agreement facilitates the widest measures of mutual legal assistance in  civil  and  commercial  matters  in  accordance  with  national  laws.  Assistance  under  the agreement applies specifically to:
- The service of summons and other judicial documents or processes;
- The taking of evidence by means of Letters of Request;
- The execution of judicial judgments (in the case of the Kingdom of Morocco), decrees (in the case of the Republic of India), settlements, and arbitral awards.

Aligned with the objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the  Ministry  of  Law  &  Justice  of  the  Republic  of  India  and  the  Ministry  of  Justice  of  the Kingdom of Morocco is to enhance mutual cooperation in the legal field. This MoU aims to strengthen institutional linkages, promote the exchange of legal knowledge, experiences, and  expertise,  and  encourage  collaborative  activities  such  as  training,  research,  and capacity-building between the two countries.

## Key features of the MoU include :

- Exchange of Expertise : Sharing experiences and expertise related to the functioning of the respective Ministries and judicial systems.
- Legislation Exchange : Mutual sharing of legal publications, bulletins, and legislative materials to enhance legal understanding and cooperation.
- Capacity Building: Organising symposiums, conferences, and joint courses on various legal issues and applications.
- Legal Training and Delegation Exchange: Facilitating visits and training opportunities for lawyers and legal experts, including participation in each other's training programs.
- Judicial Information Systems: Cooperation in developing national legal information systems and related technological advancements.
- Implementation Mechanism: Formation of a joint coordination committee responsible for planning annual cooperation programs that are practical and within the financial capabilities of both parties.

This  MoU provide opportunity to  legal  fraternity  in  India  and  Morocco  to  exchange  their experience and expertise, in the fields of law and legislation. Based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Law & Justice of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Government is promoting legal modernization through structured cooperation in several key areas: The MoU facilitates exchange of experiences, legislation, and expertise between the

(b) two countries, in civil and criminal justice systems.

Additionally,  the  MoU  promotes  the  exchange  of  legal  publications,  bulletins,  and research, MoU provides for mutual visits and delegation exchanges to study each other's legal  institutions  and  administrative  frameworks  and  also  the  training  opportunities  for lawyers through mutual exchange of legal experts.

(c)  The  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  facilitates  exchange  of  legal  and  judicial expertise  between  the  two  countries,  enhancing  diplomatic  relations  through  mutual understanding  and  capacity  building  in  the  legal  field.  It  promotes  joint  organization  of symposiums, conferences, and training programs, allowing both nations to learn from each other's civil and criminal justice systems and legal reforms.

From  a  technological  perspective,  the  agreement  emphasizes  exchange  of  national information  systems  related  to  judicial  and  legal  areas,  fostering  development  through shared  digital  practices  and  tools  in  justice  delivery.  These  exchanges  contribute  to institutional strengthening, capacity development, and modernization of legal frameworks, ultimately promoting rule of law and justice cooperation at a bilateral level.

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