A.G. Perarivalan, who was released in 2022 after serving over three decades in connection with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has now embarked on a new chapter in his life by enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The 54-year-old donned the black robes on April 27, marking a significant transition from being an accused and convict to a legal practitioner.
Perarivalan is set to practice at the Madras High Court, aiming to utilize his personal experiences to advocate for prisoners’ rights and focus on anti-death penalty cases. Reflecting on his journey, Perarivalan stated that his lack of legal knowledge during his incarceration had profound consequences. This realization fueled his decision to study law, with a desire to assist others facing similar predicaments and to work towards reforms in the criminal justice system.
Path to the Bar
Following his release in May 2022, Perarivalan commenced his legal studies at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Law College in Bengaluru. He successfully completed his LLB in 2025 and subsequently cleared the All India Bar Examination in the same year, thereby becoming eligible for enrollment as an advocate.
During his long period of incarceration, Perarivalan pursued higher education, obtaining BCA and MCA degrees from Indira Gandhi National Open University, alongside various diploma courses. He also earned a gold medal for a diploma program from Tamil Nadu Open University.
New Aspirations in Law
Perarivalan has articulated his ambitions beyond that of a conventional criminal lawyer. He expressed a desire to become a voice for the numerous prisoners who lack adequate legal assistance, particularly for life convicts awaiting premature release who are denied justice due to their inability to afford legal aid. He envisions contributing to a criminal justice system that is equitable and incorporates post-conviction exoneration laws, drawing parallels with systems in countries like Australia, Japan, and the United States.
His arrest in June 1991, weeks after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, followed allegations of supplying a battery for the explosive device. After spending 31 years as an accused, convict, and appellant, the Supreme Court ordered his release in May 2022, invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
The enrollment ceremony, held on April 27, was attended by prominent legal figures, including the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, and the Chairman of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, P.S. Amalraj. Perarivalan’s journey from the confines of prison to the legal fraternity highlights a unique trajectory within India’s justice system.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
