In what has come as a rude shock to the AIADMK, the Supreme Court on Tuesday restored party General Secretary VK Sasikala's conviction, along with that of three others, in the Disproportionate Assets case.
The apex court set aside the Karnataka High Court verdict acquitting Sasikala, her niece Ilavarasi, nephew VN Sudhakaran and late CM Jayalalithaa in the 20-year-old corruption case.
For Sasikala, who was eyeing the post of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, this comes as a major setback. The conviction means that she will be barred from contesting elections for the next ten years.
Upholding the trial court's verdict along with penalties, the Supreme Court has asked Sasikala and others to surrender immediately.
Tamil Nadu, which has been caught in the middle of a political turmoil, can perhaps now look forward to a stable government soon.
On social media, while many have praised the SC's verdict, there are also those who have pointed out that Jayalalithaa too would have been a convict had she been she alive today.
Usually..in films/dramas, Police always arrive late or after the incident.. but in Sasikala & OPS drama, Supreme Court makes a timely entry.
— Paresh Rawal fan (@Babu_Bhaiyaa) February 14, 2017
Studied silence over d fact that if Jayalalitha were alive, this would've spelt curtains 4 her too. A sitting CM would've gone to jail again
— Poulomi Saha (@PoulomiMSaha) February 14, 2017
Death absolve Jayalalitha only from conviction not from crime.We the ppl should not forget or forgive politicians with corrupt background
— Jothimani (@jothims) February 14, 2017
Real hero in DA case is JohnMichaelCunha, special court judge who wrote a brilliant judgement. K'taka HC cuts a sorry face. #Sasikala #Jaya
— Sugata (@sugataraju) February 14, 2017
In a stunning reversal of fortunes, now Sasikala is captive, and the MLAs are free.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) February 14, 2017
#Sasikala & gang declared guilty by both judges. Massive verdict in the disproportionate assets case. Judgment Day indeed.
— Kaushik LM (@LMKMovieManiac) February 14, 2017
Let’s not forget: had Jayalalitha been alive, she too would have been convicted in this DA case. Enough talk of Bharat Ratna/Nobel etc, ok?
— Dilip D'Souza (@DeathEndsFun) February 14, 2017
Many are also rooting for caretaker CM OPS to take over the reins of the state government once again as the sitting chief minister.
Jayalalitha's Poes Garden Residence should be recovered from the clutches of Mannargudi Mafia, OPS should do the needful.
— Ethirajan (@Ethirajans) February 14, 2017
Ease with which Opaneersalvm gives away his CMship,with d same ease he gets it back,he was d only person Jayalalitha cud bank on in crises
— Dolli (@desh_bhkt) February 14, 2017
Big relief. Hope OPS exposes her other hitherto hidden crimes. She may well have slow posioned Jayalalitha Too dangerous to be in politics. https://t.co/27MJo4jNat
— MadhuPurnima Kishwar (@madhukishwar) February 14, 2017
Praises have also been pouring in for Subramanian Swamy, who was one of the first petitioners in the case.
Kudos To @Swamy39 For Winning Case Against #Sasikala Disproportionate Assets Case after 20 years Now time for him to teach lessons to Media
— ML Bagri (@Makhanlal2_) February 14, 2017
Sasikala conviction is a victory for Swamy who filed the Disproportionate Assets case against Jayalalitha & co 20 yrs ago
— SamSays (@samjawed65) February 14, 2017