Centre Opposes Release of Former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s Seven Assassins

Centre told SC that the release of convicts will set “dangerous precedent” and have international ramifications.

File image of the funeral of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Image for representational purposes only. 

(Photo: Reuters)

Opposing the release of seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Friday that the release of convicts will set a “dangerous precedent” and have “international ramifications.”

The Centre argued that the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi brought the Indian democratic process to a grinding halt, reports News18.

Rejecting the Tamil Nadu government’s plea, Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand told the bench that the Centre has responded to the request made by Tamil Nadu government seeking premature release of convicts, News18 reported.

Supreme Court has taken into record the affidavit filed by the Central government stating that the President had rejected the proposal to release seven convicts and adjourned the matter on Friday, 10 August, for the next hearing for final disposal.

A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi, Navin Sinha and KM Joseph was hearing the matter and admitted the Centre’s reply.

Citing the reason that the seven convicts - who were accused of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination on 21 May 1991 - have served 27 years in jail, Tamil Nadu government sought release of Nalini Sreeharan, V Sriharan, AG Perarivalan, T Suthendraraja, Jayakumar, Robert Payas and Ravichandran. The request was put forth by the Tamil Nadu government and was rejected by President Ram Nath Kovind in June earlier this year.