Jaya succumbs to 'DA bomb': Is it end of career for AIADMK chief?

A special court in Bangalore on Saturday found Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa guilty in 18-year-old disproportionate case. Quantum of punishment will be decided at 3 PM today.

What is the case?

• The case is regarding the accumulation of assets worth Rs 66.5 crore ($11 million).
• This case pertains to Jaya's first tenure as Tamil Nadu CM between 1991 and 1996.
• During her first tenure, she allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs 66 crore disproportionate to her known sources of income.
• The case was filed by the DMK in 1996 after it came to power.
• In 2003, the case was moved from Chennai to Bangalore on the orders of the Supreme Court.
• This after the opposition DMK alleged the trial wouldn't be fair in the State where Jayalalitha is in power.

Why this verdict is crucial?

• The verdict will have huge ramifications on the State politics and Jaya's career ahead of 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.
• It is crucial as it will determine her continuation in office.
• In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court in 2013, ruled that lawmakers sentenced to more than two years in jail should be disqualified.

Who are the accused?

• The accused are Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, her aide Sasikala.
• Alongwith them, Jaya's disowned foster-son VN Sudhakaran and Sasikala's sister in-law Ilavarasi are also accused.

What is Jaya's stand?

• Jayalalithaa termed the case as political vendetta against her by arch-rival DMK.
• She asserted prosecution undervalued her earlier assets, ignored her income from other sources and exaggerated the value of her property.

Where is the case being heard?

• The case is being heard in a makeshift court created at Bangalore central prison at Parappana Agrahara on the outskirts of Bangalore city.

Jaya no new to legal battle

• In her three decade long political career, Jaya has faced many legal battles.
• In 2001, Jayalalithaa had given up the CM's chair temporarily when she was convicted in the Tansi land case.
• Then, she appointed a close aide O Paneerselvam to replace till her name cleared.

Important dates in the case

• September 18,1996: DMK lodged the complaint.
• In 1997, trail begins in Chennai court after chargesheet is filed
• In 2001, Jaya returns to power. DMK moves SC casting apprehesions about a fair trail
• In 2003, SC orders trial be conducted by special court in Bangalore.