That the verdict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case is a stirring vindication of the resolute and exacting efforts of the CBI's Special Investigation Team (SIT) is a clear as day. In delivering his judgement, the Designated Judge of the TADA Court has endorsed not only the incriminatory core but most of the major details in the SIT's chargesheet. The conviction of all the 26 accused, the acceptance of almost all the major individuals charges framed against them and the concurrence that the conspiracy in this case was hatched by the highest rung of the LITE leadership have together placed an extraordinary judicial stamp on the exertions of those who worked to bring assassins of the former Prime Minister to book.
Whether all the 26 accused should have been sentenced to death - which is probably a record of sorts - is something that is likely to be debated and, like the conventions themselves, is bound to be challenged in the Supreme Court. But in arriving at this stern and uncompromising decision. Mr. Justice V. Navaneetham seems to have been influenced by a couple of factors. First, by the profound and conclusive impact Rajiv Gandhi's assassination had on the democratic process in India. Second, and arguably just an important, because it is important that the verdict has a strong deterrent impact. As the judge himself has suggested, only a severe punishment will dissuade In this context it is imperative to remember that the SIT's investigation - particularly when it focussed on the role of Tiruchi Santhan among them Dravidian politician and Tamil chauvinists. The verdict would have served an unequivocal warning that flirting with LTTE