Rajiv convict's petition dealt with

Chennai, July 14 (UNI) Madras High Court today closed a petition seeking to provide protection, safety and medical treatment to Murugan, a convicted prisoner in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assasination case, following the Tamil Nadu Government's submission that proper medical treatment was being given to him.

A Division Bench comprising Mr Justice P Sathasivam and Mr Justice V Dhanapalan closed the petition filed by P Pugalenthi, an advocate.

In its order, the Bench said petitioner claimed he was a coordinator for the Tamil Nadu Protection of Prisoners Rights Centre.

His client Murugan, now confined in Vellore Central Prison, had been on fast since June 25 this year seeking to meet his daughter M Arithira residing in Sri Lanka.

She was not able to meet Murugan due to lack of visa. Her mother Nalini was also in prison. As Murugan's health was deteriorating, the advocate preferred the present petition.

The Bench said Additional Public Prosecutor Babu Muthumeeran brought to its notice an order passed by the government on July 12, 2006 stating Murugan and Nalini were taking treatment at the intensive care unit of Government Vellore Medical College Hospital.

He also brought to our notice July 13 report of the Additional Director General of Prison mentioning Murugan's peition to the President seeking a student visa for his daughter.

It was forwarded to the state government for onward transmission to the Union Government. The Principal Secretary, Home Department, forwarded the petition to the President's secretary on June 29.

Meanwhile, Murugan started hunger strike from June 25 demanding visa for his daughter.

He was adament and refused to take food. In the light of the said order and the information furnished by Additional Public Prosecutor, ''we are of the view that no further adjudication was required in this petition. Hence the same is closed,'' the Bench added.

UNI XR GM VD GC1903