CHENNAI: Bringing an end to the decades-long legal drama, and also perhaps the ongoing war for power in the State capital, the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning convicted AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case in which she was co-accused along with late Chief Minister and party chief, J Jayalalithaa.
This disqualifies her under the Representation of the People Act from contesting any election for six years, let alone become chief minister, from the date of release from prison. Which means, in all, she is out of the reckoning for 10 years, including her four-year period of incarceration.
The verdict, which came along with some strong remarks, restored the punishment awarded by the trial court in Bengaluru – four years in prison plus Rs 10 crore.
This has snuffed her unrelenting campaign to become the chief minister replacing the incumbent O Panneerselvam, who since rebelled. Panneerselvam received a massive shot in the arm in his revolt. There are only 9 MLAs with him so far, but the numbers are expected to swell since the verdict has gone against Sasikala.
The MLAs pledging allegiance to Sasikala have been sequestered at a resort outside Chennai. Last night, a large contingent of police, headed by senior officials, were rushed there. It is likely that the MLAs who were allegedly detained there would now come out.