Nalini Sriharan moves Madras high court for husband Murugan's travel to UK

CHENNAI: Released life convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, Nalini Sriharan, has approached the Madras high court for the release of her husband, Sriharan alias Murugan, from a special camp for foreigners so that he could obtain travel documents to travel to the UK and join their doctor-daughter there. Admitting her plea, Justice N Seshasayee has directed the Tamil Nadu government and the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) to file replies in six weeks.
Ever since his release on November 12, 2022 Sriharan is lodged at the special camp for foreigners on Trichy central prison campus, and is not allowed either to meet non-blood relatives or move out of the premises as he is a Sri Lankan national.
"My daughter Harithra is a citizen of the United Kingdom. My husband would like to settle with our daughter in the UK. He has to contact the Sri Lankan embassy in connection with his passport. Since he is detained in the special camp, he is unable to move out," Nalini said in her plea.
"As per the policy of the Tamil Nadu government, many foreigners, after their release from prison, are allowed to reside along with their family in the state on certain conditions. Many others are allowed to seek asylum in foreign countries of their choice," she said.
However, in view of an order passed by the foreigners' regional registration office, Murugan cannot move out of the boundaries of the special camp till his deportation to Sri Lanka.
Pointing out that the authorities are not acting upon a representation dated May 20, requesting permission to move out and meet the consular officials, Nalini wanted the court to direct the authorities to take a decision within a reasonable time.