By Ceylon Signal 
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has formally announced its opposition to the government’s proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, insisting that any move to alter the retirement ages of senior judges must be subjected to a nationwide referendum. The party argues that the amendment touches the core of judicial independence and therefore cannot be enacted through a simple parliamentary majority.
Amendment Targets Retirement Ages of Senior Judges
The 22nd Amendment seeks to raise the mandatory retirement ages of judges serving on the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. While the government maintains that the change is intended to strengthen judicial capacity and reduce delays, the proposal has triggered widespread debate among political parties, legal experts, and civil society groups.
ITAK’s intervention adds further weight to concerns already circulating within the legal community, particularly regarding whether such a constitutional change requires broader public consultation.
ITAK Issues Strongly Worded Media Statement
In its official media statement, ITAK stressed that constitutional amendments affecting the structure and independence of the judiciary carry significant democratic implications. The party argued that altering the tenure of senior judges is not a routine administrative adjustment but a matter that directly influences the balance of power within the state.
According to ITAK, the government must seek the explicit consent of the people through a referendum before attempting to legislate changes that could reshape the judiciary’s long‑term independence.
Concerns Over Pace and Transparency of Reforms
ITAK’s stance reflects broader anxieties about the speed at which judicial reforms are being advanced. Critics note that changes to retirement ages and tenure conditions can have lasting consequences for the rule of law, potentially affecting judicial turnover, independence, and public trust.
Legal observers warn that without transparent consultation, reforms of this nature risk being perceived as politically motivated or lacking legitimacy.
Growing Scrutiny on Government’s Next Steps
With ITAK joining the chorus of voices calling for greater public involvement, pressure is mounting on the government to clarify how it intends to proceed with the 22nd Amendment. The party’s position is expected to intensify scrutiny on the legislative process and reinforce demands for democratic accountability in constitutional reform.