New Delhi: Politicians, rights activists, journalists who have followed the case closely and several others reacted on social media as the Supreme Court set A.G. Perarivalan free today, May 18. Happiest, of course, were his own family members.
Convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, Perarivalan will walk free for the first time in 31 years. The news drew relatives to his house
Peravialan’s mother Arputhammal – a figure fondly associated with the untiring effort needed to fight his legal battle – along with his father Kuildasan, his sister and other relatives were present as he walked free.
For Perarivalan himself, the need to “breathe” was paramount.
“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.
Initially handed capital punishment by a special court in Chennai which was later commuted to life term, Perarivalan also spoke out against capital punishment.
“I firmly 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 on Twitter directed their congratulations to Arputhammal, noting her extraordinary struggle.
“Many unknown people have supported us. I don’t know many people. I thank all of them,” Arputhammal said while recalling the “31-year battle” her son endured.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin welcomed the release as well, telling reporters that he wishes him well.
“The release of AG Perarivalan is a welcome one. He has lost over 30 years in jail and now can take a fresh breath of freedom. I wish him well,” Stalin was quoted as having said.
Stalin said the judgement would find a place in “justice, law, political and administrative history.”
He recalled the state had placed firm arguments in the court on Perarivalan’s plea before the Supreme Court.
A video, showing Stalin speaking to Perarivalan’s mother in the aftermath of his release has also been shared on social media.
Political leaders including Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam founder Vaiko and Pattali Makkal Katchi leader S Ramadoss also welcomed his release.
Activists of Pro-Tamil outfits came out on the streets in several parts of the state, raising slogans hailing the apex court verdict. Many condemned the inaction of the state governor on the 2018 cabinet recommendation to release him and six others, besides the Union government’s alleged complacency in the matter.
BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai said the party “accepts” the apex court verdict, saying the relief to Perarivalan was given by the apex court based on its extraordinary power under Article 142.
“We also believe the Supreme Court will not allow compromising with our unity, security and integrity,” he said in a tweet.
CPI General Secretary D Raja said his party welcomed the verdict and pointed out at the long incarceration of Perarivalan. He also called on the Governor to act in accordance with the constitution and said the verdict raised many questions about the office of the gubernatorial post.
AIADMK MP P. Ravindranath also welcomed the verdict.
The K Palaniswami-led AIADMK cabinet had in 2018 recommended to the then Governor Banwarilal Purohit, the release of all seven convicts in assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.
The judgment did not find favour with the Congress. The News Minute reported that the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee has issued a statement saying, “The Supreme Court convicted seven people in connection with the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. One among them has been released today citing certain legal points. We do not want to criticise the SC verdict. But at the same time we want to categorically say they are not innocents and they are murderers.”