Suthenthiraraja, one of the seven convicts released by the Indian Supreme Court in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case nine months ago, has sought repatriation to Sri Lanka to be with his mother.
He has written a letter to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu seeking his intervention in impressing the Federal government to release him.
“I have not seen my mother for the last 32 years. I desire to be with her during her sunset years/ old age and help her. Kindly impress upon the centre taking into consideration my difficulties”
Recently his mother Thillaiambalam Maheswary too made a passionate appeal to the Indian PM Narendra Modi seeking his release and her longing for over three decades to see her son before her life ends.
A recent video of her in frail health appealing to Modi choked with emotion went viral. In that message, she was seen saying that every time a mango ripens in her small plot she wishes her son was there to eat it and every time she hears that her son will be back soon, a purchase is made to cook a special meal for him.
Now, in his letter to the TN CM M.K.Stalin, Suthenthiraraja alias Santhan has recalled the efforts taken by his father late ‘Kalaingar’ Karunanidhi, and another former CM late Jayalalitha in securing the release of the seven persons who were eventually set free by the Indian Supreme Court.
However, a review petition against the judgment has been filed by the central government.
While thanking the Tamil Nadu Government for their support and arguments in the court regarding their release, Santhan has cited that being a Sri Lankan national he being lodged in a special camp since 12.11.2022 the next day after their release by the top court.
“There has not been any movement forward in my release from the camp for over eight months since my release. I am unable to enjoy my release and did not expect such a life in the special camp” his letter to the TN CM says.
In his appeal, Santhan has further requested to take him to the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai for further advice.
The protracted case in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination finally came to an end on 11.11.2022 when the last of the seven accused including Indian national Nalini, her husband Murugan (a Sri Lankan national) along with five others belonging to both nationalities were set at liberty by a bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and B.V.Nagarathna citing the precedent of another convict Perarivalan who was released earlier on May 18th that year.
By their order, the Supreme Court ordered the premature release of all those convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and serving life sentences.
India’s top court using its extraordinary power under article 142 of the constitution-which grants it the power to “in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it” ordered the release of Perarivalan, who was behind bars for over three decades.
However, a review petition against the judgement has been filed by the central government.
The Federal Government in its review petition has said the order was passed without affording it an adequate opportunity for hearing despite being a necessary party to the case and alleged it was a procedural lapse, in spite of being a party to the case.
Union government’s role is of ‘paramount importance’ it reiterated.
Lawyers point out there’s no time frame set for hearing the review petition and it is at the discretion of the bench and the court to decide on it.
