I also want release like Perarivalan; Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict Nalini moves SC seeking early release

NEW DELHI: Nalini Sriharan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has sought an early release, similar to that given to co-convict A G Perarivalan. Nalini, who is currently serving life imprisonment, has approached the Supreme Court seeking the release. She has also sought an interim bail till the release.

Out of the seven accused in the case, only Perarivalan, Nalini and P Ravi Chandran, are Indians. The rest are Sri Lankan citizens. The Supreme Court had ordered the release of Perarivalan on May 18. The ruling was based on Article 142 of the Constitution that allows the apex court to pass an order that it deems necessary to ensure complete justice. Following which, Nalini and Ravi Chandran filed a plea in the Madras High Court seeking early release, but it was rejected.

The high court bench observed that it did not have special powers that the Supreme Court enjoys under Article 142 of the Constitution. The court had also said that the accused can approach the Supreme Court in the regard. Soon after, Nalini approached the apex court seeking an early release.