Sri Lanka, July 17 -- The independence of the judiciary is one of the cornerstones of a functioning democracy. It is not merely a constitutional principle but a safeguard against the abuse of executive and legislative power. Any move that affects the structure, composition, or tenure of the judiciary must therefore be approached with utmost caution, transparency, and broad consultation.
The government's proposal to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges has triggered strong opposition from the legal fraternity. While the government may argue that the proposal is intended to retain experienced judges and address judicial delays, the concerns raised by the legal community deserve serious consideration.
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