Supreme Court begins hearing petitions against 22nd Amendment

The Supreme Court began considering petitions challenging the Government’s 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill.

A five-member bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli, Arjuna Obeyesekere, Sampath Abeykoon and Gihan Kulatunga is hearing the petitions.

A total of 67 petitions have been filed challenging the proposed constitutional amendment, while five petitions have been filed against the related Judicature Bill.

The Supreme Court also ordered that proceedings on the 22nd Amendment petitions be moved from Courtroom 502 to Courtroom 501.

The transfer followed a request from lawyers, including President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran, who said Courtroom 502 did not have sufficient space to accommodate those attending the proceedings.

After considering the request, the five-member bench directed that the hearing continue in Courtroom 501.