Cabinet approves municipal police and courts bill

Cabinet approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening local governance and decentralizing judicial functions. The proposed legislation gives municipal police stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to issue fines and conduct arrests, and paves the way for dedicated municipal courts. The Bill aims to improve by-law enforcement at the local government level and strengthen community safety. It represents a structural shift in how municipal authorities can police their jurisdictions, reducing the burden on the main judicial system, empowering local authorities to address petty crime, and enhancing municipal governance. The legislation now moves to Parliament for debate and potential enactment, where it faces scrutiny from lawmakers.