Rajiv case: Abolish death penalty for killers, says DMK MP

New Delhi, Sep 7: Close on the heels of Tamil Nadu Assembly adopting a resolution seeking to reconsider death penalty for the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, a DMK member today (Sep 7) demanded abolition of death penalty in the country.

Raising the issue through a Special Mention during Zero Hour, Tiruchi Siva said the government should take steps for abolition of death penalty in the country.

On August 30, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had adopted a unanimous resolution asking the President to reconsider mercy petitions of three death row convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Siva rued that the "draconian and inhuman practice of death penalty plagues our society and is preserved as a punishment" even as India is known for its ethical values, moral conduct and penchant for peace.

Noting that many other countries have already abolished death penalty, Siva said it was time death penalty was abolished in India.

He said mercy petitions kept pending for years led to prolonged anguish and despair of the convict and it consequently affected the mental, physical and emotional integrity and health not only of convicts but even their family members.

Ram Vilas Paswan (LJP) demanded that the government should take immediate steps to end the fast of civil rights activist Irom Sharmila, who is on fast for 11 years in Imphal demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Power Act in Manipur.

PTI