Judgment Reviews Law at Lithuania
Lithuania's judicial landscape in 2024 has been marked by significant rulings from both the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Administrative Court. These decisions have addressed critical issues related to human rights, minority protections, and administrative law, reflecting the judiciary's active role in upholding constitutional principles.
⚖️ Key Judicial Decisions in 2024
1. Constitutional Court Strikes Down Restriction on Same-Sex Relationship Information for Minors
On December 20, 2024, the Lithuanian Constitutional Court declared a provision of the Law on the Protection of Minors from the Negative Influence of Public Information unconstitutional. The provision had prohibited sharing information about same-sex relationships with minors, deeming it "detrimental" if it expressed contempt for traditional family values. The Court found this clause ambiguous and in violation of constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and the right to family life. It emphasized that the concept of family in Lithuania's Constitution is gender-neutral and that children's development should align with principles of human rights, dignity, equality, and tolerance.
2. Supreme Administrative Court Upholds Bilingual Signs in Šalčininkai
In December 2024, the Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania ruled that bilingual information signs in the Šalčininkai district, which has a significant Polish-speaking population, comply with the law. The Court overturned a previous decision by the State Language Inspectorate that had ordered the removal of these signs, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and the rights of national minorities. This ruling aligns with broader European standards on minority language rights and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.
3. Supreme Administrative Court Confirms Competition Violations by Chamber of Notaries
In November 2024, the Supreme Administrative Court upheld the Competition Council's findings that the Chamber of Notaries of Lithuania engaged in anti-competitive practices by fixing fees for notarial acts. The Court imposed a fine on the Chamber but annulled penalties against individual presidium members, clarifying that notaries, when performing certain services, are subject to EU competition laws. This decision underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring fair competition within professional services.
4. Supreme Administrative Court Rules on Immigration Detention Law
In June 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that a 2021 immigration detention law allowing authorities to detain undocumented immigrants for up to six months without individualized assessment or the right to appeal was unconstitutional. The Court held that while lawmakers have the authority to legislate on immigration matters, such measures must respect constitutional rights, including due process and access to justice.
🧑⚖️ Ongoing Constitutional Review: Citizenship Law
As of January 2025, the Constitutional Court is reviewing the Law on Citizenship concerning the loss of citizenship obtained by exception this review follows a case involving figure skater Margarita Drobiazko, who was deprived of her Lithuanian passport The Court is examining whether the provisions of the law are clear, proportional, and consistent with constitutional principles, particularly regarding national security concerns
📌 Conclusion
Lithuania's judiciary continues to play a pivotal role in interpreting and upholding constitutional values, particularly concerning human rights, minority protections, and administrative fairnes. The 2024 rulings reflect a commitment to aligning national laws with constitutional principles and European human rights standard. These decisions contribute to the ongoing development of Lithuania's legal landscape, ensuring that it remains responsive to evolving societal needs and international norm.
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