Nalini case: HC pulls up Union, TN Govts

Chennai, July 2 (UNI) Madras High Court today came down heavily on the Union and State Governments for not filing their counter on the petition filed by Nalini, a life convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, seeking her early release, and an impleading petition filed by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy, opposing her plea.

When the case came up for hearing before Mr Justice S Nagamuthu, both the Government Pleaders sought further time to file the counter. As the court had granted them time thrice earlier, an annoyed judge said ''this is the last chance, both the Governments should file the counter on or before July 11.'' He then posted the matter to July 11 for further hearing.

In her petition, Nalini challenged the Tamil Nadu Government Order, dated October 31, 2007, rejecting her request for premature release, and sought a direction from the court to the Union and State Governments to release her from prison as she had been in jail for the past 17 years.

In his petition, Dr Swamy contended that life sentence meant sentence for life and she could not seek premature release.

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