DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/49/64-68
Roya Mirtalibova
Baku State University
PhD student
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5422-1873
royalmiriyeva@gmail.com
Delays in Procedural Deadlines by Administrative Authorities –
Practical Problems and Solutions
Abstract
This article examines the problem of procedural deadline delays by administrative authorities from both legal and practical perspectives. The topic is highly relevant, as the violation of procedural deadlines in administrative proceedings significantly affects the efficiency of legal processes, the realization of citizens’ right to legal protection, and the overall principle of the rule of law. Procedural deadlines, as established by legislation, are intended to ensure that administrative actions are carried out efficiently, transparently, and with legal certainty.
In many cases, delays are not merely the result of negligence but stem from systemic deficiencies such as overlapping competences among administrative bodies, lack of digital infrastructure, or insufficiently trained personnel. These issues complicate timely case handling and weaken public trust in state institutions. Moreover, unclear or overly flexible procedural rules in legislation may be exploited by authorities to justify administrative inactivity.
From a comparative legal standpoint, countries with well-developed administrative justice systems—such as Germany and Estonia—have introduced effective mechanisms including fixed legal consequences for missed deadlines, digital progress tracking tools, and enforceable rights for citizens to demand timely resolution. The lack of similar enforceable rights and sanctions in Azerbaijani law highlights the need for substantive reform.
The article provides a comparative analysis of the legal frameworks and administrative court practices of the Republic of Azerbaijan alongside countries such as Germany, France, and Estonia. Based on this analysis, the study proposes strengthening specific legal accountability mechanisms for deadline violations, expanding administrative oversight tools, and implementing electronic monitoring systems.
The research is based on methods of systematic analysis, comparative legal study and normative legal interpretation.
Keywords: administrative procedure, procedural deadlines, administrative authority, legal mechanisms, citizens’ rights, legal liability, legal uncertainty