The Emperor’s new cloak (or the 22nd Amendment)

In the 2007 "Black Coat Protest" in Pakistan, lawyers donned traditional black suits and ties to protest President Pervez Musharraf's suspension of the Chief Justice. This demonstration, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tale of The Emperor's New Clothes, led to the restoration of the Chief Justice's position and ultimately forced Musharraf to relinquish his powers as president.

Following this, two-thirds of Pakistan's senior judges refused to accept the 2007 Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO), resulting in their dismissal or detention.

In Sri Lanka, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, extending the retirement age of sitting judges, has encountered significant opposition from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the broader civil society. The BASL has been vocal in its disapproval of the amendment, calling it hugely unpopular. During a closed-door meeting with the President, the BASL presented their arguments against the amendment, but the President seemingly dismissed their concerns.

A video of the President's response to the BASL's opposition was released by the Presidential Media Division (PMD), but it featured digital interference. This obscured the presentation and left the public with a muddled understanding of the meeting. In response, the BASL demanded that the PMD release a clear and unedited version of the meeting, which was later posted on social media.

The BASL lamented that the amendment had been gazetted and approved despite their efforts to raise awareness and gather support for their cause.