The Chief Justice has decided to appoint a 7-judge bench to examine—on July 12—the Fundamental Rights petition filed against IGP Pijith Jayasundara and former Defense Ministry Secretary Hemasiri Fernando over security lapses leading to the Easter Sunday explosions.

The Attorney General's Department last week asked for a five-member bench to hear Fundamental Rights petitions relating to the Easter Sunday explosions.

Fundamental Rights petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court against IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Ministry Secretary Hemasiri Fernando over security lapses leading to the Easter Sunday attacks.

Activist Nagananda Kodithuwakku has also filed a FR petition naming 10 respondents, including President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa.