SC rules certain clauses in Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill require special majority

The Speaker of Parliament officially announced the Supreme Court's determination regarding the constitutionality of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill. Several petitions had been filed challenging multiple clauses of the proposed draft legislation on grounds of constitutional inconsistency.

Delivering the findings of the Supreme Court bench, the Speaker revealed that certain sections of the bill infringe upon constitutional provisions and therefore require passage by a special two-thirds majority of all members of Parliament. Crucially, the Supreme Court ruled that 'Clause 17' of the Bill is inconsistent with Article 3 and Article 4 of the Constitution and can only become law if approved by the people at a referendum in addition to obtaining a special majority.

The court highlighted that the clauses could be amended at the committee stage in Parliament to remove the inconsistencies, allowing the bill to be passed by an ordinary majority. The Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill is aimed at streamlining investigation procedures and reinforcing enforcement mechanisms overseen by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).