Have to breathe a bit, says Perarivalan hours after release

JOLARPETTAI: "I firmly believe there is no need for capital punishment," AG Perarivalan said hours after the Supreme Court ordered for his release, a judgement that was received with great jubilation by his family, relatives and several pro-Tamil outfits in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

Initially handed capital punishment by a special court in Chennai which was later commuted to life term, Perarivalan said he first wants to "breathe," apparently the air of freedom, before thinking about his future.

"I have just come out. It has been 31 years of legal battle. I have to breathe a bit. Give me some time," he said when reporters asked how did he feel as a "free bird" and what were his future plans.

"I clearly believe there is no need for capital punishment. Not just for mercy...many justices including Supreme Court chief justices have said so and there are many examples. Everybody is human," he said, with his mother Arputhammal and relatives by his side.

"Many unknown people have supported us. I don't know many people. I thank all of them," an emotional Arputhammal said while recalling the "31 year battle" her son endured.

Perarivalan later played the 'parai' an ancient Tamil percussion instrument, in an obvious sign of celebrating his freedom.

Just after the judgement was pronounced by the apex court releasing Perarivalan, convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, relatives began arriving at his residence here

Perarivalan offered sweets to Arputhammal. The mother-son duo thanked all those who stood by them.

His sister and her family who hastened to meet and greet Perarivalan turned emotional and expressed great joy over his release. They hugged him and expressed their joy.

Peravialan's father Kuildasan expressed great happiness over his son's 30 year incarceration coming to an end.

When reporters asked about his future plans, including wedding, such matters will be discussed by the family, Kuildasan said.

Activists of Pro-Tamil outfiuts came out on the streets in several parts of the state, raised slogans hailing the SC verdict and condemned the inaction of the Governor on the 2018 cabinet recommendation to release him and six others, besides the Centre's alleged complacency in the matter.

Perarivalan, presently on bail, had been granted parole earlier on many occasions by the state government.

The others undergoing life term in the case are Murugan, Santhan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Jayachandran and Nalini.