Click to play videoChennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday filed a counter affidavit in the Madras High Court opposing Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Nalini Sriharan's request for an early release.
Nalini, who is lodged in the Vellore Jail had filed a petition earlier this year seeking an early release after Priyanka Gandhi made a secret visit to the jail to meet her in March 2008.
Priyanka’s visit had apparently made Nalini hope for a softer stand by the central and state governments.
However, it is now clear that the secret visit has not turned anything into Nalini’s favour. At least not in the way the Tamil Nadu government sees her case who is opposed to her plea for an early release at the Madras High Court.
The Tamil Nadu government endorses the opinion of the Advisory board which had considered and rejected Nalini's request on December 28, 2006
The government also argued that Nalini has committed four prison offences during her confinement which included a fast that she undertook in jail when her daughter was denied an Indian visa.
The Tamil Nadu government's stand was expected after it told the court a month ago that it would oppose her request.
The Central government which is yet to file its reply has been asked by the court to do so by the September 17.
Nalini's Lawyer S.Duraiswamy said, "This is only a factual representation of its case by the government. The matter is now posted for September 17, and the arguments would continue."
Nalini who was awarded a death sentence in the Rajiv Gandhi assasination case later got a lease of life when Sonia Gandhi's approval helped in getting her death sentence commuted to a life term in 2000.
However, this time around the Rajiv Gandhi assasin will have to wait for a final verdict from the Madras High Court.
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