Chennai,  Soon after the Supreme Court ordered the release of A.G. Perarivalan, the life convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case on Wednesday, his father, Kuyilthasan and mother Arputhammal, expressed happiness and joy.

Speaking to the mediapersons, the parents of Perarivalan said, "We are extremely happy at the Supreme Court order releasing Perarivalan. We thank everyone who voiced their support for our son."

His family and friends were celebrating the release of Perarivalan in front of their Jollarpettai residence here distributing sweets.

Perarivalan was 19 years old when he was arrested and jailed in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

The Supreme Court verdict will pave the way for the release of six other convicts in the case, including Nalini and her husband Murugan.