Nalini's petition adjourned to June 18

The Madras High Court on Thursday adjourned to June 18 hearing on the petition filed by Nalini, sentenced to life imprisonment in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, seeking premature release.

When the petition came up for hearing before Justice S Nagamuthu, senior counsel G Rajagopal, appearing for Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy, sought the court's permission to implead Swamy as a party in Nalini's petition.

Opposing Swami's plea, Advocate V Elango, appearing for Nalini, sought time to file a counter.

Swamy, who had been opposing Nalini's petition for early release, had filed a petition in the High Court seeking to implead him in the case as the matter was of public interest.

He had submitted that the Supreme Court in several cases had held that "life sentence" means "life sentence" and a convict does not have any inherent right to demand premature release.

Meanwhile, Special Government Pleader V Arul, appearing for the state government and Assistant Solicitor General P Wilson, appearing for the Centre, also sought time to file a reply to Nalini's petition.

Following this,the Judge adjourned the hearing to June 18.

Nalini (37) had moved the High Court after her plea for release on the ground of good conduct and having completed over 17 years in jail was rejected by Tamil Nadu Government.

Nalini was initially sentenced to death along with her husband Murugan, and two others. Her sentence was later commuted to life following an appeal by Congress President Sonia Gandhi on the ground that Nalini delivered a baby girl at the prison. Prior to Nalini's petition seeking early release, Priyanaka Vadra met her at the prison in March.