In a huge relief to former Tamil Nadu chief minister, the Karnataka high court on Monday acquitted J Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case. It is being reported that Jayalalithaa may now return as the CM of Tamil Nadu, as early as May 17.

The acquittal would enable a big political comeback for Jayalalithaa, who has waged many legal battles and seen several ups and downs in her political career.

Jayalalithaa and three others had filed an appeal against the Special Court Judge Michael D'Cunha's September 27 verdict sentencing them to four years in jail and imposing a hefty fine of Rs 100 crore on her and Rs 10 crore each on three others.

Pronouncing the verdict, Justice CR Kumaraswamy also acquitted AIADMK's chief close aide Sasikala Natarajan and her relatives J Elavarasi and VN Sudhakaran, disowned foster son of Jayalalithaa.

Victory celebrations broke out immediately outside her Poes Garden residence in Chennai where party workers celebrated with bursting of crackers and dancing while flashing victory sign.

Celebrations also broke out across Tamil Nadu with bursting of crackers and breaking of coconuts on Jayalalithaa's acquittal.

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Verdict has helped me emerge as gold further refined by fire, says J Jayalalithaa​

Reacting to her acquittal, J Jayalalithaa in a statement said that the verdict had given her immense satisfaction and it was a victory for justice and defeat for those who had conspired to defame her legacy.

She said, "The verdict has confirmed that I have done no wrong. it has helped me emerge as gold further refined by fire."

Partymen in almost all towns and cities of Tamil Nadu immediately went into a celebratory mode bursting crackers and distributing sweets to people in public places, bus-stands and railway stations.

Celebrations erupt in Tamil Nadu

AIADMK workers broke into celebrations, bursting crackers and distributing sweets following the acquittal of party leader Jayalalithaa. Celebrations by ruling partymen and supporters were witnessed outside the residence of Jayalalithaa here, her party office and across Tamil Nadu following the judgement.

J Jayalalithaa has now earned the right to be sworn again as the CM: Subramanian Swamy

Subramanian Swamy said, "It is not unusual thing. When you are in a democratic system then such twists and turns are expected. We can't do much about it because delays were done by accused."

He further said, "She has now earned the right to be sworn again as the CM."

Jayalalithaa acquitted by Karnataka High Court in the disproportionate assets case against her.​

“The judge pronounced that all the accused are acquitted and appeals filed by them have been allowed and the prosecution case stands dismissed. From this moment, there is no impediment for Madam Jayalalithaa to assume her position as chief minister of Tamil Nadu,” said her counsel B Kumar outside the Karnataka High Court.

Speaking to a news agency, Subramanian Swamy said, "I expect that conviction will be upheld. At most the judge will exercise a discussion whether the punishment should be increased or reduced."

BV Acharya (Special public prosecutor) reaches Karnataka High Court.

Around 200 advocates from Tamil Nadu arrived in Bengaluru to know the judgement to be pronounced by Justice C Kumaraswamy. However, they were disappointed when they were denied entry due to security reasons.

Last year, some advocates from Tamil Nadu raised slogans against High Court and police when they were denied entry into the court premises.

An elaborate security arrangements have been made by Bengaluru Police around Karnataka High Court in view of the judgement.

Special prayers offered by AIADMK supporters

Supporters gather outside J Jayalalithaa's residence

The 67-year old Jayalalithaa need not be present in the court when the single judge bench of Justice C R Kumaraswamy delivers the judgement.

What the court will decide?

The court will decide on the appeals filed by Jayalalithaa and three others against the Special Court Judge Michael D'Cunha's September 27 last verdict sentencing them to four years in jail and imposing a hefty fine of Rs 100 crore on her and Rs 10 crore each on three others.

What the verdict means for J Jayalalithaa

An acquittal would enable a big political comeback for Jayalalithaa, who has waged many legal battles and seen several ups and downs in her political career.

An adverse outcome, on the other hand, would accentuate uncertainty and cause more worries about the future of the AIADMK leader and her personality-based monolithic party.

She will remain disqualified 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, unless a superior court sets aside the conviction.

(With agnecy inputs)