Karnataka HC acquits Jayalalithaa, other accused, in disproportionate assets case

The ruling means Jayalalithaa can return as chief minister as early as tomorrow

The Karnataka High Court on Monday acquitted former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and three other accused in a disproportionate assets case. 

In a brief comment, Justice C R Kumaraswamy said 'Appeal upheld'. 

Details of judgement are awaited. 

Jayalalithaa, who was forced to step down as the CM due to D'Cunha's order, can return as chief minister as early as tomorrow. 

Reacting to the verdict, Jayalalithaa said, "It's a victory for justice and defeat for those who had conspired to defame and malign my legacy and the legacy of my mentor MGR. I don't take it as a victory for me but a victory for truth and for the people of Tamil Nadu. I thank people of Tamil Nadu for reposing faith on me and I thank God for the gift of people's love. DMK has not been able to win over me electorally hence they tried to put an end to my political career through other ways. Finally, justice has prevailed."

Following the verdict, members of the All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which Jayalalithaa leads, burst crackers and distributed sweets at Jayalaithaa's Poes Garden residence in Chennai as well at the court in Bengaluru, where a large number of her supporters had gathered ahead of the judgement. 

Entry to the Court Hall No. 14 had been restricted for outsiders and only those connected to the case and lawyers from either side were allowed to enter the court hall. 

Reacting to the judgement, political leader Subramanian Swamy, who had asked the High Court to be impleaded in the case, said he was shocked by the judgement and that he would file an appeal in the Supreme Court soon.

Justice Kumaraswamy judgement comes just a day ahead of the three-month deadline set by the Supreme Court to complete the hearing of the appeals filed by Jayalalithaa and three others, including her close aide Sasikala. 

The convicted were appealing Special Court Judge Michael D'Cunha's September 27, 2014 verdict sentencing them to four years in jail and imposing a fine of Rs 100 crore on Jayalalithaa  and Rs 10 crore each on the others – Sasikala, Sudharakan and Illavarasi.

What does today's judgment mean?

The decision will mark a remarkable political comeback for the Tamil Nadu chief minister, who has faced many legal battles and seen several ups and downs in her political career. She lost the chief minister's post twice following conviction in graft cases – in 2001 and 2014.

(ALSO READ: Jayalalithaa Jayaram: a profile)

Before the acquittal, there were questions over Jayalalithaa's political life but also about the future of the AIADMK, in case the HC verdict went against her, considering the 67-year-old has been the face of the party. 

(ALSO READ: 5 things to know about Jaya's disproportionate assets case)

She had also faced disqualification under the Representation of the People Act from contesting elections for a period of 10 years -- four years from the date of conviction and six years thereafter, pending acquittal from a higher court.

(ALSO READ: The formative years of Jayalalithaa)

Overall, 3000 policemen had been deployed all around the Bengaluru city to prevent any untoward incidents. Police also provided heavy security cover at Attibele toll gate, which is the entry point into Karnataka from Tamil Nadu. Entry points at Sarjapur, Hosur have been tightened.