Bilateral Deal Signed Between India and Morocco to Advance Judicial Collaboration

India and Morocco have entered into two key agreements — a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — to enhance cooperation in the legal and judicial fields. These agreements are aimed at bolstering institutional connections, advancing legal reforms, and fostering greater mutual understanding between the two nations.

Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Arjun Ram Meghwal, provided this update in a written response in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. He noted that the collaboration would enable legal professionals from both countries to exchange knowledge, strengthen institutional frameworks, and promote the rule of law through structured interaction.

The MLAT covers civil and commercial matters and allows both sides to assist one another in delivering legal documents, gathering evidence through Letters of Request, and enforcing judicial decisions, settlements, and arbitration awards.

In addition, the MoU — signed between India’s Ministry of Law & Justice and Morocco’s Ministry of Justice — is focused on the sharing of legal knowledge, joint training, and legal research initiatives. It aims to build capacity through workshops, joint training programmes, and seminars.

The MoU also encourages reciprocal visits and delegation exchanges to explore each country’s legal systems and administrative practices.

A key aspect of the MoU is collaboration in legal technology, particularly the development and sharing of national judicial information systems. This cooperation is expected to enhance the efficiency and delivery of justice using digital tools and updated legal infrastructure.

To oversee and implement these efforts effectively, a joint coordination committee will be established. This body will design annual plans for collaboration while considering financial feasibility.