Sense of an end: The Hindu editorial on the release of convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi case

Release of remaining six convicts of Rajiv Gandhi assassination The 1980s marks the end of a tragic event that began with India’s disastrous involvement in Sri Lanka’s internal conflict. Assassination in May 1991, ordered by LTTE leadership and carried out by a suicide bomber, causing a mutiny. However, over time, the prolonged imprisonment of the seven individuals ultimately convicted has generated some public sympathy. Political parties in Tamil Nadu campaigned for the release of four convicts sentenced to death and three sentenced to life imprisonment. Supreme Court commutes the death penalty For life in 2014. a Resolution adopted by the Tamil Nadu cabinet in 2018 to release them For a long time no action was taken by the then Governor under Article 161 of the Constitution. Ultimately he sent it for the Centre’s opinion. The Court, earlier this year, found no constitutional basis for the governor’s action and invoked extraordinary powers to order AG Perarivalan’s release, The same benefit has now been extended to others. While his release is no occasion to celebrate, contrary to the belief of some sections of the media and the political class, it is also not a cause to lament. The masterminds of the conspiracy are dead and only mid-level operatives and a few local allies have been caught. The feeling that 31 years of imprisonment is quite a punishment is indeed strong.

His acquittal is the culmination of due process in a vibrant legal system that is not without its flaws. The chilling trial court’s decision to award death sentence to all 26 available accused in 1998 did not impress the Supreme Court. Based on a sober assessment of the evidence, its 1999 verdict acquitted 19 of them on conspiracy charges, resulting in their release. Of the remaining seven, four were sentenced to death and three to life imprisonment. pipeRecruited in Platt as a local mentor for potential suicide bombers, he commuted in 2000. did it anyway Ravichandran, who hoped to lead an armed separatist movement in Tamil Nadu with the help of the LTTE. The prison system also proved its benign side. Most of them acquired new educational qualifications, while one could also indulge in literary activities. Their freedom has come through legal processes and legitimate advocacy. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that the families of the victims have endured a lot, providing support or sympathy to them in just a few years. There should be a new assessment of the relaxation system and norms for the premature release of life convicts in this tragic incident. Given the apparent omission in this particular case, some indication of remorse on the part of the convicts should be a pre-requisite.