The Central government today moved the Supreme Court to stop the release of four convicts involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The Apex Court agreed to hear the petition and has fixed the next date of hearing on Thursday.

The apex court had last week stayed the decision of the Tamil Nadu government to release the three convicts in the case after Centre's plea and asked it to maintain status quo. However, the Centre wants stay on the release of the four remaining convicts as well, who are undergoing life imprisonment.

The decision to release the seven convicts was taken by the Tamil Nadu government soon after the Supreme Court commuted the death sentences of three to life imprisonment on the ground of delay in deciding mercy petition.