(Image source from: news.abplive.com)

AG Perarivalan, the main accused in the assassination of Indian ex-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi has been out of jail after 31 years. The Supreme Court announced to release AG Perarivalan who is a life-term convict in Rajiv Gandhi's death case. The court said that he will be free under Article 142 after his mercy plea is juggling between the Indian government and the President. Article 142 provides power to Supreme Court to do justice between the parties. After a series of hearings, the Supreme Court questioned why Perarivalan cannot be released after he served a sentence of more than 30 years. The top court said that the people who served over 20 years are released.

Responding for the verdict, Perarivalan said that he firmly believes that there is no need for capital punishment in the country. Perarivalan was awarded capital punishment by a special Chennai court and he was sentenced life term later. "I have come out after 31 years of legal battle. I will have to breathe now. Give me some time. May unknown people supported uss and I don't know many of them. I would like to thank everyone for the support", told Perarivalan the reporters who asked about the verdict of the Supreme Court. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin welcomed the judgment of the Supreme Court. The relatives of Perarivalan arrived at his residence in Jolarpettai and Perarivalan offered sweets to his family members, and friends.

By Siva Kumar