The Madras High Court was informed by the centre that it is unable to deport Murugan, one of the individuals convicted for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, to the United Kingdom as per his request. However, it was stated that he could be repatriated to his home country, Sri Lanka, if the island nation grants permission. The Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made this submission during a hearing of a petition filed by Murugan, who was released last year. The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) representing the FRRO explained that Murugan seeks travel documents to leave India and go to the UK, but FRRO does not have the authority to issue such permission or exit orders. The FRRO has written to the MEA, which has forwarded the papers to the Sri Lankan High Commission. The ASG emphasized that only if the Sri Lankan High Commission provides a passport or travel documents to Murugan, can the FRRO proceed with issuing an exit order for him to return to his home country. It was clarified that the exit order cannot be granted for any other country. Currently, Murugan is held in a special camp for foreigners in Tiruchy. He had applied for permission to travel abroad and be with his daughter in the UK. The bench disposed of the petition, directing the state government to provide security for Murugan whenever he visits Chennai to complete the necessary formalities for obtaining a passport.
