In a counter filed before the Madras High Court to Nalini's petition seeking premature release, the government submitted that the Board had rejected her premature release, considering the social history of the prisoner, the circumstances of her criminal behaviour and the degree of criminality.

"The degree of criminality is not only causing the death of a former Prime Minister of a nation, but also one of causing grave social unrest, shock and turmoil in the psyche of each and every Indian."

"The authorities rightly have kept these matters in mind while arriving at a decision of not permitting premature release of the petitioner," the government submitted.

The Centre also wanted to file a counter and sought time to which Justice S Nagamuthu adjourned the matter to September 17.