Chennai : Hailing the release of A.G.Perarivalan, one of the seven life convicts in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, by the Supreme Court as historic, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said it was a victory for cooperative federalism and the autonomy of states.
It was not just a victory for an individual but had served as an example for federalism and the autonomy of States”, he said. Talking to reporters after issuing a statement welcoming the Supreme Court order, he said the ruling DMK will decide on the release of the remaining six
convicts in the case.
To a question on whether the remaining six convicts–Nalini, T. Suthendraraja alias Santhan, Sriharan alias Murugan (Nalini’s husband), Robert Payas, S. Jayakumar alias Jayakumaran, and Ravichandran alias Ravi–would be released after the Apex Court said Perarivalan’s order is applicable to them also, the Chief Minister said the copies of the full judgement is expected by Thursday. The State government will study the judgement, discuss with legal experts and then take steps to release the six other convicts.
Perarivalan, who had spent 32 years in prison and lost his youth behind bars, was finally able to smell freedom. “I convey my wishes to him and welcome him,” he said and hailed the efforts of Perarivalan’s mother Arputhammal for waging a prolonged legal battle for his release, thereby proving the essence of motherhood. Time has proved that there is justice even for a single true tear. I convey my wishes to her,” he said.
Recalling the effective arguments put forth by the State government in the case which had established the rights of States, Stalin said “It is extremely important that the judges have made it clear that the Governor cannot interfere in the policies of the State government. The judges have also made it clear that when the Governor does not take action, the courts will step in. They have also clarified that there is no need for the Governor to seek the the opinion of the Union government in this matter, the Chief Minister said.
By the judgment, it had become clear that the Governor cannot interfere in the policy decisions of the State government beyond his remit. This is a victory for the whole of India, States’ autonomy and federalism, through the Tamil Nadu government,” he said. He said the DMK had taken the same stance when in opposition and after coming to power, that all the seven convicts must be released.