Convicts’ files not sent to Centre: TN Governor

“A section of the media has been reporting that a reference in this case has been made to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Some television channels have been conducting debates on this assumption. Let me clarify that no reference has been made,” the Governor said. However, he noted that the case is complex and involves the examination of legal, administrative and constitutional issues.

“The voluminous records from the State government along with judgment on connected matters were handed over to Raj Bhavan on Friday,” Purohit added. Stating that all efforts will be taken to process the papers scrupulously, the Governor said necessary consultation may be held when required in due course. On September 9, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet had recommended the release of all the seven Rajiv case convicts, including Nalini and her husband Sriharan alias Murugan.

The decision to recommend the matter of their release to the Governor was taken in accordance with the Apex Court order. The seven convicts are Sriharan alias Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan alias Arivu, Nalini, Robert Pyas, Ravichandran and Jayakumar. They have been in jail since 1991.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar had earlier said that the SC in its order in the petition filed by Perarivalan, had asked Tamil Nadu to recommend to the Governor to take a decision on his release as well as the six other convicts as they had sent mercy petitions as well.