Amid Centre’s opposition, SC releases Perarivalan on bail

‘The Rajiv case convict entitled to benefit after over 30 years of imprisonment’

The Supreme Court on Wednesday released Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict A.G. Perarivalan on bail, taking into account the fact he has suffered over 30 years of imprisonment, in spite of vehement objections raised by the Centre.

A Bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and B.R. Gavai found Perarivalan was entitled to be released on bail considering his conduct during his long incarceration, including acquisition of educational qualifications, and ill-health.

The Bench directed that Perarivalan's bail would be subject to conditions imposed by the trial court concerned.

He shall have to report to the local police station. The top court did not ask Perarivalan, represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan and advocate Prabu Ramasubramanian, to surrender his passport as he does not possess one.

Though the Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, urged the court to direct Perarivalan to report before the CBI as part of his condition for bail, the Bench decided to spare him the 100 km journey from his native Jolarpettai to the CBI office in Chennai.

Perarivalan is currently on parole, but, according to Mr. Sankaranarayanan, was restricted from either stepping out of his house or meeting anyone.

At the end of a nearly hour-long hearing, the court listed Perarivalan's case for further hearing in April on the powers of the Governor to decide the question of his early release, which was approved by the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, and the Governor's reference of the matter to the President.