RAJIV GANDHI ASSASSINATION CONVICT GRANTED BAIL BY TOP COURT

The Supreme Court granted bail to AG Perarivalan (Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict) who moved the top court seeking remission of his sentence.

A Bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai observed that Perarivalan has already undergone 32 years of imprisonment and while he was released thrice before on parole, there were no complaints.

"We are informed that the applicant is on parole at present. He has spent more than 30 years in jail, we are of the view that he is entitled to be released on bail." 

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj appearing for the Central government strongly opposed stating that Perarivalan was sentenced to death before the Top Court. "It's for life. Imprisonment is still life. When remission has been given, how can it be reduced again."

The Court responded that he is entitled to be released on bail. The bench allowed bail and directed Perarivalan to report to the CBI officer every month.

Perarivalan was sentenced to death when he was 19 for assisting in making the bomb responsible for the assassination of former PM of India, Rajiv Gandhi. The apex Court in 2014 reduced his death penalty to life imprisonment.