The Centre has asked the Tamil Nadu government not to release seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Official sources said that in a communication to the Tamil Nadu Government , the Home Ministry today conveyed that the accused were prosecuted under central laws like TADA and Arms Act and hence prior consultation with the Centre is necessary before taking such a decision.

Citing Section 435 of CrPC under which the State government sought to remit the sentence, the Ministry said, that as per law, the powers shall not be exercised by the state government except after consultation with the centre. The ministry said whenever an investigation is done under central laws, the views of the central government prevail in case of giving remittance. It also said the decision to set free the seven convicts in the sensational case is against all principles of justice and legally not tenable.