Centre opposes release of Rajiv convicts

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs, in response to the plea moved by two convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case — Robert Payas and Jayakumar — seeking premature release, has submitted to the Madras High Court that in view of the Apex Court’s interpretation they are not entitled to seek their premature release as “Life sentence means entire life of a person.” 

A division bench comprising Justice A Selvam and Justice P Kalaiyarasan, before whom the habeas corpus petition moved by both the convicts had come up on August 9, had directed the Centre to file a reply considering the long pendency of the matter. The duo had moved the plea last year seeking to be included in the list of 180 accused proposed for premature release on Republic Day eve.

The counter, while referring to the state’s proposal to remit the life sentences of all the 7 convicts, including the above two, said that the SC on December 12, 2015, had categorically held that in cases charged under Central Acts and investigated by Central agencies, the Union Home Ministry is the appropriate authority to decide on the release of the convicts. The case has been posted to August 16.