Madras HC Orders Tamil Nadu Govt to Escort Sriharan for Passport Process

GG News Bureau
Chennai, 13th Feb. The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to arrange necessary escort for Sriharan, also known as Murugan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. The directive aims to facilitate his appearance before the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai for obtaining a passport.

A division bench comprising Justices D Krishnakumar and P Dhanabal issued the order while disposing of a petition filed by Sriharan, a Sri Lankan national. He sought permission to visit the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission with proper escort to obtain an all-country passport and leave the country at his own expense.

The bench emphasized, “As and when date and time is fixed by the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission, Chennai, for the petitioner’s appearance, the state government must provide necessary escort.” Sriharan has been detained at the Special camp (Foreigners Detention Centre), Tiruchirappalli, following his release per a Supreme Court verdict.

Sriharan stated that his daughter had been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom, highlighting concerns about his safety in Sri Lanka. He expressed an urgent need to travel to other countries and requested permission to visit the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai for passport formalities.

The application for passport processing remains pending with the consular office, as stated by Sriharan.