SC begins hearing petitions challenging 22nd Amendment Bill

The Supreme Court has commenced consideration of the facts relating to petitions filed challenging the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill presented to Parliament by the government.

The petitions are being heard before a five-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli, Arjuna Obeyesekere, Sampath Abeykoon, and Gihan Kulatunga.

A total of 67 petitions have been filed challenging the relevant Bill, while five petitions have been filed challenging the Judicature Bill.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has ordered that the proceedings concerning the petitions challenging the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill be transferred to Courtroom 501.

The petitions were initially scheduled to be heard today in Courtroom 502.

Attorneys, including President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran, requested that the proceedings be moved to Courtroom 501 due to insufficient space in Courtroom 502.

After considering the request, the five-member bench decided to transfer the proceedings to Courtroom 501.