The Congress party has staunchly been opposing the release of six convicts while the same ruling was welcomed by its allied parties including the Tamil Nadu ruling DMK. 

All these four people were convicted of being a part of the plot to assassin Rajiv Gandhi. Since they were Sri Lankans, they were moved to a special camp in Trichy from their prison.

Notably, Perarivalan, who got acquitted earlier this year, came to the prison to welcome his fellow convicts.

By ordering the premature release of all six convicts, the Supreme Court ruled, "The appellants are directed to be set at liberty if not required in any other matter."

Perarivalan was released last month by the Supreme Court by invoking the powers conferred with the top judicial body under Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.

Addressing the media after meeting Udhayanidhi, Arputhammal said, "We have been meeting the political leaders and thanking them for rendering their voice for Perarivalan's release." 

When his acquittal is being on the table of debate with a certain people opposing the verdict, a former Supreme Court judge has said that Perarivalan should have been released much earlier. 

The apex court was of the view that the inappropriate delay in deciding Perarivalan's early release plea by the Governor under Article 161 has warranted his release.

Perarivalan had addressed the media for the first time in three decades during which he thanked his mother for her fight. 

As the verdict has turned heads from across the nation, let's take a look at Article 142 and the notable cases which had got its invocation.