In the numbers game, Sasikala has forgotten these 3 legal hurdles

Sasikala has been in a war of words with O Panneerselvam over the chief ministerial post.

Chennai, Feb 10: Sasikala does have the numbers, but she also carries a huge baggage. The first hurdle would be to come clean in the disproportionate assets case, the verdict which will be pronounced by the Supreme Court next week.

OneIndia spoke to both legal and Constitutional experts on the hurdles that Sasikala has in her way before she could become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Experts say that there are several factors that would be taken into consideration before stand-in Governor of Tamil Nadu Vidyasagar Rao takes a final call on the matter.

The first major hurdle would be the DA case. If found guilty by the Supreme Court either on Monday or Tuesday, Sasikala would have to do time and would be disqualified from contesting an election. If the sentence of four years imposed by the trial court is upheld then she is out of action for the next ten years.

The Representation of People's Act bars a convicted person from contesting the polls for 6 years.
The next hurdle for her would be appointing herself as the leader of the legislature party. Experts point out that she cannot be appointed as the leader of the AIADMK's legislature party since she is not a member of the house. For her to be appointed as the leader, it is mandatory that she is either a member of the assembly or the Parliament.

Finally she has been appointed as the interim general secretary of her party. This can be struck down by the Election Commission which has already been petitioned on the matter. The by-laws of the party clearly do not allow for this post. The bylaws only provide for a general secretary.

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