The National Law University (NLU) Delhi has announced that the 5th Annual Lecture in Criminal Law organized by its initiative Project 39 A has been cancelled.
A.G. Perarivalan, a terrorist convicted for assassinating former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was to deliver a guest lecture at the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai on 17 December 2022.
The lecture of the convicted terrorist was titled “The denial of justice and a quest unfinished”.
The event was organized by Project 39 A, an initiative of National Law University Delhi, which also has a chapter at ACJ.
Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) based in Chennai, is considered as one of the top institutions in the country for media studies. It comes under the aegis of the Media Development Foundation headed by journalist Sashi Kumar. The Hindu’s N. Ram is also a founding trustee of the Media Development Foundation.
The platforming of a terrorist involved in the assassination of a former Indian Prime Minister by a premier media institution created a furore on social media. The issue was reported in The Commune on 9 December 2022.
Following the social media outrage, Project 39A of NLU Delhi announced that the lecture would be held online due to threats of violence and vandalism at the venue.
“We are committed to Perarivalan’s freedom to share his experience searching for justice through 31 years of imprisonment. In recognition of our responsibility towards the safety of those involved, the 5th Project 39A Annual Lecture will be held online (6PM: 17 December 2022).”
Statement.#Perarivalan #CriminalJustice pic.twitter.com/O5FWiVCUK3
— Project 39A, National Law University, Delhi (@P39A_nlud) December 13, 2022
However, on 14 December 2022 the NLU Delhi has issued a circular stating that the 5th Annual Lecture in Criminal Law stands cancelled.
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