January 13: There has been a decrease in the number of cases registered with the courts in Bhutan last year compared to 2007. The judiciary saw drop of 23 percent in registered cases.

The report says the all cases related to land issues have been transferred to the National Land Commission which also contributed to the decrease.

According to the report, courts across Bhutan saw close to 19,000 miscellaneous cases in 2008. Of the total some 9,000 were registered last year while over 2,000 were pending from 2007. The report says 25 cases were appealed to His Majesty the King.

The report however does not feature the cases heard in the newly created Dungkhag courts.

In 2008, matrimonial cases topped the list with over 3,700 cases recorded followed by monetary related cases at over 1,500. The matrimonial cases included applications for marriage certificates.

The report says the Royal Court of Justices has provided equal and unimpeded access to justices through reliable, fair and efficient procedure.

It says court system will continue to explore avenues to face the new challenges following the introduction of Parliamentary Democracy.