Civil society organisation Bahujana Balaya has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking a constitutional review of the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which has been tabled in Parliament.
The organisation said it was seeking a determination on whether the provisions of the proposed amendment are consistent with the Constitution and whether any provisions require approval at a national referendum in addition to the required parliamentary majority.
Bahujana Balaya raised concerns over the potential impact of certain provisions on judicial independence, the separation of powers and checks and balances among state institutions.
It also noted that the proposed amendment was not included in the National People’s Power election manifesto, questioning whether there was a direct electoral mandate for what it described as a significant constitutional change.
The organisation stressed that it was not opposed to constitutional reform, but said any changes should follow the proper constitutional process and safeguard the sovereignty of the people, judicial independence, the rule of law and democratic institutions.
Bahujana Balaya also cited concerns raised over the proposed changes by several international legal organisations and experts, including the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, LAWASIA, the International Association of Judges and the U.N. special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. (Newswire)
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