The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called for concerns involving judges and the judiciary to be addressed fairly and through established constitutional and legal procedures, while warning that unverified personal attacks could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
In a statement, the BASL said the judiciary, like any institution exercising public power, should be open to lawful scrutiny and accountability. It said court decisions, the conduct of judges and the administration of justice could be subject to fair, fact-based and responsible criticism.
The BASL said credible allegations involving any judge, including the Chief Justice, should be objectively examined through the appropriate constitutional and parliamentary procedures, with due regard to fairness and due process.
The statement was issued against the backdrop of debate over the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which the BASL has opposed on the grounds that it raises serious concerns over judicial independence and the rights and interests of the public. The association has also challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.
The BASL observed that if the Bill becomes law, the Chief Justice would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the amendment. It also noted that there is a widespread view that the amendment is being expedited to extend the Chief Justice’s term, which is due to end on December 1, 2026.
The association said allegations concerning the judiciary, including those raised in Parliament and on social media, should be handled responsibly, warning that personal attacks based on unverified claims could damage public confidence in the administration of justice and affect the independence and integrity of the judicial process.
The BASL urged state institutions, relevant parties and the media to respect the role and independence of the judiciary while ensuring that any genuine concerns are addressed fairly, responsibly and through procedures established by the Constitution and the law. (Newswire)
