Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: SC stays release of 4 convicts

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the release of four convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, ordering status quo on a plea by the Centre challenging the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to release them.

The court bench headed by Justice P Sathasivam directed that the central government's plea would be heard on March 6. The court also issued notice to the state government and the four prisoners on the Centre's plea against their release.

It asked as to why the Centre rushed to the apex court instead of replying to the state government's letter seeking the stand of the Union government on the release of the prisoners.

"Is the Centre rushing or you are rushing?," the bench questioned the state government and made it clear that it will first consider the maintainability of the Centre's petition before going into its merits.

"You take it from us that we would consider the maintainability issue first," it said, adding,"We would solve the problem amicably."

The bench said that every state must be aware about the procedure to be followed for the release of prisoners.