The newly established Kep Provincial Court is set to begin its operations and proceedings in September of this year after King Norodom Sihamoni issued a royal decree to this effect.

According to the decree dated April 13, the court, comprising the prosecution of its own, can begin hearings case under its jurisdiction on September 24. Previously, cases that happened in Kep was heard by the court in neighbouring Kampot province.

The decree states that all case files lodged to the Kampot Provincial Court prior to September 24 will remain under its jurisdiction.

If the Kep court cannot begin proceedings on the specified date, such jurisdiction will fall under the Kampot court, in which case the minister of justice will issue a prakas stating as such and determining a new date for the former's operations.

In case of a lack of judges to handle backlog or for other reasons, the Kep Provincial Court director shall request the justice minister to assign judges from other courts.