25 November 1999 :

On November 25, the Madras High Court set aside the Tamil Nadu Governor's order rejecting the clemency petitions of the four condemned prisoners. The judge ruled that the Governor, Fathima Beevi, should consult the State Council of Ministers on the matter. This court order puts the Chief Minister in an embarrassing situation. Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy said that the President should decide on the mercy pleas of the four condemned prisoners on the basis of policy and not go by sentiments, reiterating his opposition to commuting the death sentences on the four to life.