SriLanka, Sept. 4 -- Although it was wrong to rush the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution without allowing a national debate, once the amendment is challenged, the Supreme Court has no alternative other than hearing the petitions and give a determination. There is certainly a clash of interest as the Supreme Court judges too are beneficiaries of the 22nd Amendment. But the fact remains that the Supreme Court has to make a determination after examining the constitutional provisions.

Whatever the Court decides, it must be respected, and no branch of government should seek to intimidate, undermine or circumvent another. The present Bill proposes raising the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and Court of Appeal judges from...