IGP Jayasundara's FR petition fixed for Sep 17 by Supreme Court

The fundamental rights petition filed by inspector general of police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara challenging the President's decision to send him on compulsory leave has been fixed for September 17 by the Supreme Court.

Acting IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, President's Secretary Udaya R. Seneviratne, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, and the members of the constitutional council have been named as respondents to the petition.

During today's hearing, a lawyer appearing for the President's Secretary, the fourth accused, told court that his client has filed objections over the case. 

President Sirisena had sent Mr. Jayasundara on compulsory leave citing his failure to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks on April 21, despite having prior intelligence warnings about the incident.

However, the IGP in his petition had stated that he had not been invited to attend National Security Council meetings since October 2018. He further argued that his fundamental rights have been violated as a result of the decision to send him on compulsory leave.

The petition is being heard before a two-member judge bench of Justices L.T.B. Dehideniya and S. Thurairajah.