In addition to a fine as high as USD 228,405, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) may ban immediately and without pay any public servant "who refuses openly to perform the obligations imposed by the rulings issued at any of its courts."

Both penalties are listed in article 132 of the TSJ bill drafted by Justice Carlos Oberto Vélez, Vice-president of the civil cassation court. According to the provision, any public servant charged with contempt of law will not be able to perform his functions provided that a court acquits him.

Additionally, the regulation sets forth a fine of up to USD 175,266 for failure to observe TSJ rulings. The amount will be three-fold in case of a public servant.

Failure to pay the fine will result in imprisonment from six months to five years. However, the offender may be released in the event of paying the amount requested.

The instrument, including 134 articles, four transitory provisions and four final provisions, was delivered to the TSJ 31 justices recently. The text will be the basis for the proposed amendment that will be submitted to the National Assembly (AN).