Centre’s counsel stand on release of Rajiv convicts flayed

“Based on the decision of the state Cabinet, the Governor has every right to take decision in releasing seven Rajiv case convicts. Governor should take decision independently, but the counsel representing the Union government has given a statement below his dignity,” said Shanmugham, who also termed the statement as “non-sense.”

The state Cabinet passed a resolution in September 2018, recommending the Governor to use the powers conferred under Article 161 of Indian Constitution and to release all seven Rajiv convicts, who are languishing in various prisons across the state. Though it is 18 months since then, the Governor has been sitting on the resolution.

Recently, Arputhammal, mother of Perarivalan, one of the seven Rajiv murder convicts and other Tamil activists demanded the Governor to release the seven convicts. When the case came up for hearing in the Madras High Court, the Counsel representing Central government informed the Court that Union Home Ministry has decided not to release the seven convicts and without the approval of the Home Ministry the Governor cannot decide on the issue.

The Counsel also said that the recommendation of the state Cabinet is mere “zero” till the Home Ministry decides to free them. The statement sent shock waves among the Tamil activists who were relying on the decision of the state government to free them.

When the issue was raised with Shanmugham he questioned the Counsel for the statement. “State Cabinet has powers to recommend the release of Rajiv convicts and who gave powers for Counsel to question the powers of state Cabinet,” he asked.

Anbumani Ramadoss also condemned the statement of the Union government. “In fact, the Centre has very little role in Rajiv murder convicts issue. Considering the sentiments of Tamil people, I expect the Governor to take a positive step at the earliest,” said Anbumani.