The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has formally called on Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena to recuse himself from presiding over Supreme Court proceedings related to petitions challenging the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.
Formal Motion Filed in Supreme Court
The BASL filed a motion in the Supreme Court on Tuesday (24), urging the Chief Justice to withdraw from the bench hearing the petitions. The 22nd Amendment in question seeks to extend the retirement ages of certain public officials, a matter that has drawn significant legal and public scrutiny across the country.
Why the Call for Recusal?
The BASL's position centres on concerns over impartiality, given that the amendment directly relates to retirement age extensions — provisions that could have a bearing on the tenure of the judiciary itself, including that of the Chief Justice. The Bar Association, which represents the legal profession in Sri Lanka, argues that such a direct interest in the outcome of the case warrants the Chief Justice stepping aside to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.
Significance for Sri Lanka's Legal Landscape
The move by the BASL underscores growing concerns within the legal community about the independence and transparency of proceedings surrounding constitutional amendments. Recusal requests of this nature, particularly involving the country's highest judicial officer, are rare and signal the sensitivity of the matter at hand.
The Supreme Court is yet to formally respond to the motion. Legal observers are watching the development closely, as the outcome of the 22nd Amendment petitions could have far-reaching consequences for governance and constitutional law in Sri Lanka.
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cant trust the system when the same ppl deciding their own future
so this amendment is basically to keep certain judges in their seats longer. shameless
BASL doing the right thing. conflict of interest is obvious no?
obvious yes but will he actually step aside thats the question