Jayalalithaa arrest: EC awaiting notification from Assembly Secretary on Srirangam

Chennai, Oct 14: The Election Commission is awaiting notification from the Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretary over the vacancy in Srirangam constituency, following AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa's conviction for four years in a disproportionate assets case, a top official said here today.

"We are awaiting a notification of vacancy from the Assembly Secretary. As per law, elections are to be held within six months after the vacancy. I have informed the Election Commission about the situation in which the vacancy has arisen," Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar said in reply to a query during a press conference.

Asked whether the EC would press for the notification, he said, "Since six months are there after the vacancy, we have enough time and so let's not ask any hypothetical questions."

Following her conviction in a wealth case, three-time Chief Minister Jayalalithaa lost her post as well as her election from Srirangam Assembly constituency.

The 66-year old leader, presently in a prison in Bangalore is awaiting a hearing on her bail application by the Supreme Court on October 17.

PTI