Chennai: The Madras High Court on Thursday posted to February 21 for orders on a petition seeking extradition and arrest of Sri Lankan minister Douglas Devananda, wanted in connection with a murder case. When the matter came up before a division bench, comprising justices K Mohan Ram and G M Akbar Ali, Additional Solicitor General of India M Ravindran informed the bench that India and Sri Lanka have only an `extradition arrangement` and not an extradition treaty. He filed a communication received to the effect from the Ministry of External Affairs (Legal and Treaties Division).
In his petition seeking arrest of Devananda, advocate and Tamil Nadu Peoples` Rights Forum secretary P Pugalenthi submitted that the minister for traditional industries was involved in three criminal cases, including a murder case, which are pending before city courts.
He submitted that in June 1994, an additional sessions judge had issued a proclamation warrant against Devananda, treating him as absconding accused in a murder case. The case, registered by the city police pertains to the killing of one Thirunavukkarasu in 1986.
PTI