Jayalalithaa DA case verdict: No one is above the law, say political leaders

Following the conviction of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case by a Bangalore special court, leaders of various political parties said that the court's verdict proves that no one is above the law.

"It is a confirmation and a reaffirmation that everyone is equal before law, whatever are the legal options now, before Ms Jayalalithaa, it is for her and her party to decide, certainly one can expect that it will have far reaching implications on the political scale of Tamil Nadu," BJP leader, Nalin Kohli told ANI.

"One thing is certain that no matter how big the person is, it does not affect the judgement of the court. No one is above the law," NCP leader Tariq Anwar added.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia said, "Better late than never, such judgments should come sooner."

In Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, DMK supporters were seen celebrating while the AIADMK supporters mourned the conviction of their leader.

One AIADMK party worker said, "We can't accept any other leader, don't feel like living in this world without word 'Amma'."

The court convicted Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

This court's verdict means that Jayalalithaa stands disqualified as an MLA, and therefore, she will have to step down as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

The court also found her ex-aide V K Sasikala guilty while the quantum of sentence is expected to be pronounced by the court this afternoon.