NEW DELHI-
The Indian Supreme Court on Thursday suspended the release of three murderers of former premier Rajiv Gandhi, following Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s denouncement of the release “contrary to all principles of justice”.
The three men were among the seven Tamil extremists who were due to be let free from prison at the weekend, following an order by the chief minister of Tamil Nadu state on Wednesday.
The order caused a political uproar in the country as PM Singh announced a legal action against it, rejecting any right to freedom for the murderers.
“The assassination of Shri (honorific) Rajiv Gandhi was an attack on the soul of India,” Singh said in a statement.
“No government or party should be soft in our fight against terrorism,” he added.
“The release of the killers of a former prime minister of India and our great leader, as well as several other innocent Indians, would be contrary to all principles of justice.”
After agreeing to an urgent hearing on Thursday, a Supreme Court bench ordered the Tamil Nadu government to maintain the “status quo” for three of the seven until it examines the case.
The bench, headed by Chief Justice P. Sathasivam, said although Tamil Nadu in the country’s south had the right to release the prisoners, it must follow proper procedures.
The court said the Congress-led national government could file a fresh petition for the remaining four who are serving life sentences, although it was unclear if this could halt their release by Friday.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had ordered the seven’s release one day after the Supreme Court commuted the death sentence handed down on three convicted over their role in the assassination in her state.
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during a campaign in the southern state in May 1991 before an election.
His killing was seen as retaliation for a 1987 Indian government pact with the Sri Lankan government to disarm the Tamil guerrillas.
His son Rahul, the current Vice President of Congress, voiced his sadness on Wednesday over Jayalalithaa’s decision.
“If some person kills the PM and is released then how will a common man…get justice?” said Rahul.
