The time given to file petitions either in favor of or against the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment bill before the Supreme Court ends today (31).
It is reported that nearly 30 petitions have been filed so far, both supporting and opposing the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment bill.
The 22nd Constitutional Amendment bill was gazetted on August 7, following which petitions have been submitted to the Supreme Court challenging its constitutionality as well as expressing support for it.
The proposed 22nd Amendment includes several matters, including the extension of the retirement age of judges, proposing to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 years, and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65 years.
Several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, have expressed opposition to this amendment, submitting that it could impact the independence of the judiciary.
Following the conclusion of the petition filing period today, the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider the submitted petitions and notify the Speaker of its decision regarding the constitutionality of the proposed bill.
By Rekha Nilukshi Hearth