Jayalalithaa verdict likely by month end

Chennai, Mar 25: The Karnataka High Court is likely to pronounce its verdict in the J Jayalalithaa disproportionate assets case by the end of this month.

Special Public Prosecutor in the case, Bhavani Singh informed Oneindia that in all probability the verdict will be out by the end of this month.

The special court had found former Tamil Nadu chief minister, J Jayalalithaa guilty of corruption charges. It had sentenced her to four years imprisonment and also slapped a fine of Rs 100 crore.

Jayalalithaa had gone in appeal before the Karnataka High Court challenging this verdict. She sought to set aside both the conviction and also the fine imposed on her.

No challenge to sentence:

Bhavani Singh said that the appeal by the former TN Chief Minister sought to overturn the verdict of the special court. The state on its part sought to uphold the verdict as it is.

Singh informed that there was no plea made to enhance the sentence that the special court had imposed. The state only filed its objections and argued that the verdict of the special court be upheld.

In order to seek an enhancement of sentence, the state needed to file a separate appeal, Singh added.

This case would however end up in the Supreme Court irrespective of what the verdict is. If she is acquitted by the High Court then the state will prefer an appeal.

Security measures being worked out:

The state police are meanwhile awaiting the date of the verdict. The state police will be on high alert a day before the verdict itself. "We are not anticipating any trouble and are perfectly capable of controlling the crowds," Official said. [Police lathicharge AIADMK supporters]

There were no untoward incidents reported in Karnataka the day the verdict had been pronounced and even on the day the Karnataka High Court had rejected her bail.

The police are likely to press in several personnel on the outskirts. This time around there would be some added security measures taken outside the High Court where the lawyers from Tamil Nadu are expected to converge in large numbers.

"Last time lawyers were seen protesting outside the court premises. This time the police will not permit any of that and any such demonstration or protest would be dealt with strongly," police said.

OneIndia News