A three-judge bench headed by justice LNageswaraRao said, “We direct that the appellant (Perarivalan) is deemed to have served the sentence in connection with Crime No. 329 of 1991 (pertaining to the assassination case). The appellant, who is on bail (sinceMarch 9 this year), is set at liberty forthwith.”
Perarivalan approached the court in 2016 after he had filed a mercy petition before the Tamil Nadu governor in December 2015 seeking remission under Article 161. In September 2018, theTamilNadugovernment recommended his release but the governor did not act on the recommendation. Instead, on January 25, 2021, the governor referred thematter to the President. These decisionswere challenged by Perarivalan and supported by the Tamil Nadu government which felt such an exercise of power by the governor was unconstitutional.
After the verdict, Perariva lam’s relatives gathered at his residence in Jolarpettai, 200km fromChennai. “I have just come out. It has been 31 years of legal battle. I have to breathe a bit. Giveme some time,”was quoted as saying by news agency when he was asked about his future plans. DMK chief and Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin said the verdict could find a place in the "justice-law-political-administrative history".
The Congress expressed pain and disappointment over the release. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that it is condemnable and very unfortunate that the assassin of a former PM has been released.
This story is from the May 19, 2022 edition of Hindustan Times.
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This story is from the May 19, 2022 edition of Hindustan Times.
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