CHENNAI: S Nalini (48), a life-term convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassin case, was granted parole for 24 hours, which will begin at 4 pm on Tuesday, to enable her to participate in the 16th day obsequies of her father Sankaranarayanan at her brother’s residence in Chennai.
“I am of the view that 24 hours emergency leave is sufficient to perform the 16th day obsequies of her father,” Justice R Mala observed on Tuesday and directed the prison superintendent to release her with necessary escort. She shall be brought back to the prison by 4 pm on Wednesday, the judge added.
“It is true that there is no provision for granting emergency leave to attend the 16th day obsequies. However, in the Hindu religion, the presence of the daughters are necessary for performing obsequies. Since the petitioner is the daughter of the deceased Sankaranarayanan, the presence of the petitioner is necessary to pay last respects to her father,” the judge said.
Nalini shall stay at her residence during night hour and there should be sufficient escort round the clock till the petitioner is brought back to the prison, the judge added. She shall not give any interview to anybody and she should be confined to her house where the obsequies are performed, the judge added.