CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu (Diya TV) — A.G. Perarivalan, once a life convict in the assassination case of slain Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has begun a radical new chapter in his life. On Monday, he donned the black robes of a lawyer and officially enrolled with the Bar Association of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. He will now practice as an advocate at the Madras High Court. It’s a stunning shift for Perarivalan, who spent more than three decades in prison before his release in 2022.
The Supreme Court of India ordered Perarivalan’s release on May 18, 2022. The court used its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India to ensure “complete justice.”
Judges considered his long incarceration of over 30 years. They also noted delays in decisions regarding his mercy petition. Earlier, authorities had already reduced his death sentence to life imprisonment. Officials later withdrew terrorism-related charges. The ruling ended a long legal battle that drew national attention.
After his release, Perarivalan focused on education. He enrolled in a law program at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Law College under Karnataka State Law University. He completed his LLB degree in 2025. In the same year, he passed the All India Bar Examination, which allowed him to practice law.
His academic journey, however, began much earlier. While serving his sentence, he pursued several courses. He earned a diploma from the Tamil Nadu Open University and topped the examination, winning a gold medal. He also scored 1,096 out of 1,200 in his higher secondary exams, ranking first among prisoners.
Perarivalan continued his studies despite difficult conditions. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications and later a Master’s degree from the Indira Gandhi National Open University. He also finished seven additional diploma courses while lodged in Vellore Central Prison and Puzhal Central Prison. Many of these achievements came while he faced the death penalty. His dedication to learning became a key part of his rehabilitation.
Perarivalan said his long legal fight inspired him to study law. During his years in prison, he closely followed court proceedings and worked with lawyers on his case.
“My focus will be more on cases relating to anti-death penalty and human rights,” he told The Hindu.
His experience has shaped his goals as a lawyer. He now aims to help others facing similar challenges.
Perarivalan’s entry into the legal profession highlights a rare transformation. His journey from a death row convict to a practicing advocate has drawn public interest across India. Legal experts say his firsthand experience with the justice system could bring a unique perspective to his work. His focus on human rights and death penalty cases may also influence future legal debates. His story also raises broader questions about reform, justice, and second chances.
