The Government is planning to present the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which seeks to increase the retirement ages of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, to Parliament on August 18, state media reported. The Judicature (Amendment) Bill, which proposes changes to the retirement ages of High Court judges, District Judges and Magistrates, is also expected to be presented on the same day. Under the proposed 22nd Amendment, the retirement age of Supreme Court judges will be increased to 67, while Court of Appeal judges will be able to serve until 65. The Chief Justice would retire upon reaching 67 or completing six years in office, whichever comes first. The amendment also proposes increasing the number of Court of Appeal judges from 19 to 24. Meanwhile, the proposed Judicature Act amendments would increase the retirement age of High Court judges to 63 and that of District Judges and Magistrates to 62. The number of High Court judges is also proposed to be increased to 120. The Government says the reforms are aimed at expediting court proceedings, addressing the backlog of cases and making greater use of experienced senior judges. According to the state media report, the first reading of the two Bills is scheduled for August 18. Following their presentation, citizens and organisations will have 14 days to challenge their constitutionality before the Supreme Court. The proposed constitutional amendment will require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, subject to the Supreme Court’s determination on its constitutional requirements, while the Judicature (Amendment) Bill can be passed by a simple majority unless otherwise determined. (Newswire) The post Govt plans to present 22nd Amendment on judges’ retirement age to Parliament on August 18 appeared first on Newswire.
