By NewsGram Staff Writer
The verdict of the Karnataka High Court has come out as a huge relief for AIADMK leader Jayalalitha and her party members as she has been acquitted from the disproportionate assets case.
Notably, after being convicted for Rs 66.65 crores disproportionate assets case, Jayalalitha was sentenced to four years of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 100-crore by the trial court. This led to her dismissal from the post of Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister. She was also barred from contesting the elections for 10 years.
However, today, the Karnataka High Court dissolved the verdict that was pronounced last year in September by the trial court.
As soon as the news of acquittal of former Tamil Nadu's chief minister broke out, Amma's followers started celebrations outside her residence. The party members were reported as calling this verdict as a fair decision since there was no incriminating evidence against Jayalalitha. The celebrations were not only restricted to Jayalalitha's residence, but the joy unfurled to the entire state. People broke coconuts and distributed sweets as an auspicious gesture.
While the verdict brought along a joyous occasion for the party, it came as a surprise to other political parties. Subramanian Swamy, the BJP leader who had filed charges against Jayalalitha in 1996, told Times Now that the decision was surprising and he is going to examine the order.
BV Acharya, the Special Public Prosecutor in the case was clearly upset with the verdict and told a news channel that the prosecution was denied an opportunity to place its oral arguments before the court. He added that the case is now closed and he does not see any grounds for further appeal.
The decision of the Karnataka High Court has come out as a consonance for the AIADMK, and can be seen as a major encouragement for the party exactly one year ahead of the state's Assembly elections. Jayalalitha is likely to re-claim her post as the Chief Minister as early as the 17th of this month, since her suspension has now been resolved.
