Poland senate passes contentious court bill

Poland upper house of parliament, approved a Supreme Court overhaul, defying the European Union and critics at home who say the legislation would undermine democratic checks and balances.

A total of 55 senators voted for, with 23 voting against the bill that gives politicians substantial influence over the Supreme Court. Two members abstained.

To become law, the bill needs to be signed by President Andrzej Duda, an ally of the ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.

The eurosceptic PiS argues new rules are needed to make the judiciary accountable and efficient.

The governing party says it's needed to improve the court's efficiency and break with communist-era judges and practices.

The opposition and judges groups in Poland, as well as critics in Brussels, say the legislation is a new step by the Polish government towards authoritarianism.

UCJ, UNILORIN.