International legal body opposes extension of retirement age for judges!

உயர் நீதிமன்ற மற்றும் மேல்முறையீட்டு நீதிமன்ற நீதிபதிகளின் ஓய்வு பெறும் வயதை நீட்டிக்கும் நோக்கில் முன்வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ள அரசியலமைப்புத் திருத்தம் தொடர்பில், ஆசியா மற்றும் பசிபிக் சட்ட சங்கம் (LAWASIA) தனது கவலையை வெளிப்படுத்தியுள்ளது. இந்தத் திடீர் அரசியலமைப்புத் திருத்தம் நீதித்த…

The Law Society of Asia and the Pacific (LAWASIA) has expressed its concern over the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges of the High Court and Court of Appeal.

The organization has warned that this sudden constitutional amendment could affect the independence of the judiciary and public confidence in it.

LAWASIA also supported the letter sent by the Law Society of Sri Lanka to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that in the current environment, extending the retirement age of judges could be seen as political interference in the judiciary.

The organization also pointed out that it is inappropriate to make such temporary amendments without proper public consultation, as the retirement age of judges is already fixed under Article 107(5) of the Constitution.

LAWASIA also cited the ‘Beijing Principles’ statement, which emphasizes the independence of the judiciary and security of tenure of judges.

The organization, which has also highlighted the concerns of the Commonwealth Bar Association, has urged the Sri Lankan government to immediately abandon this amendment and to hold formal consultations with all parties to ensure the rule of law.