22A and Judicial Retirement Bill set for parliament showdown on 24th and 25th

By The Pulseline News Desk

The Government has fixed dates for two politically sensitive constitutional and judicial reform proposals, setting the stage for potentially contentious debates in Parliament later this month.

The Committee on Parliamentary Business, which had met today (10), has decided to schedule the debate on the 22^nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill for September 24.

The Judicature (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to amend provisions relating to the judiciary, will follow a day later, with its Second Reading debate scheduled for September 25.

The dates were announced by the Department of Communication of Parliament following today’s committee meeting.

The scheduling comes at a politically charged time, particularly over the proposed 22^nd Amendment, which has already triggered significant opposition and a major constitutional challenge before the Supreme Court.

The proposed amendment to the Constitution, including provisions relating to the retirement age of superior court judges, has drawn criticism from sections of the legal profession and Opposition parties, raising wider questions over judicial independence, separation of powers and constitutional safeguards.

The Supreme Court recently considered a large number of petitions challenging the proposed amendment, with a five-judge bench hearing the Special Determination petitions.

With both Bills now assigned consecutive days in Parliament, September 24 and 25 are likely to become significant dates in the Government’s legislative agenda, while the Opposition and legal community are expected to closely scrutinise the proposals.

The debates will also provide Parliament with an opportunity to address the constitutional and institutional concerns raised during the ongoing controversy and determine whether the Government can secure the necessary parliamentary support for the proposed changes.