Article 40 of the Saudi Civil Society Associations Law
المادة 40 من نظام الجمعيات والمؤسسات الأهلية
Ministry decisions issued to implement the Law may be challenged before the administrative court within 60 days of becoming aware of them, and the court decides the challenge promptly.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تكون القرارات الصادرة من الوزارة تنفيذاً لأحكام هذا النظام قابلة للطعن أمام المحكمة الإدارية خلال (ستين) يوماً من تاريخ العلم بها ، وتفصل المحكمة في الطعن على وجه السرعة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 40 explained in plain English
This article gives an important judicial safeguard to associations and organizations and to anyone affected by the Ministry's decisions in this area. Every decision issued by the Ministry to implement the provisions of the Law may be challenged before the administrative court.
The key points of the article are:
- The deadline: 60 days.
- When the deadline starts: from the date of becoming aware of the decision, not from the date it was issued.
- Speed of ruling: the court must decide the challenge promptly.
This covers, for example, the Ministry's decisions on approving the collection of donations or contracting with international bodies under Article 39, as long as they are decisions issued to implement the provisions of the Law.
In practice it is important to watch the deadline: anyone who wants to challenge should act within the sixty days of becoming aware of the decision. The article does not state the procedures for filing the challenge or its detailed conditions; these are subject to the rules governing litigation before administrative courts.
If a decision affecting your association or organization is issued, it is best to consult a lawyer who specializes in administrative cases to assess your position before the deadline expires.
Practical example
The Ministry issued a decision suspending the activity of a civil society association in Madinah, and the chairman of its board became aware of the decision when he was notified of it. The association has 60 days from the date of this awareness to challenge the decision before the administrative court, and the court will consider the challenge promptly.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentAdministrative Law lawyers: ask a specialist about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
Administrative Law (Board of Grievances) lawyers
Lawyers who handle this kind of case
Dr. Ali Al-Rubaie Law Office and Ittihad Al-Asr Legal Company
Al-Safwa Law Office and Legal Consultancy
Frequently asked questions about Article 40 of the Saudi Civil Society Associations Law
What is the deadline for challenging Ministry decisions on associations?
60 days from the date of becoming aware of the decision.
Where is the challenge filed?
Before the administrative court.
Does the court consider the challenge quickly?
Yes, the article provides that the court decides the challenge promptly.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.