The Karnataka high court has acquitted J Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case on Monday. The former chief minister of Tamil Nadu had appealed against her conviction and four years of punishment in the Rs 66.64-crore case. It is likely that she may return as chief minister soon and lead her party (AIADMK) into elections.

The AIADMK chief, along with aides N Sasikala, VN Sudhakaran and J Elasvarasi, was held guilty of holding unaccounted for income during her tenure as chief minister from 1991-96 by the trial court in September last year. The lower court had convicted them after a trial lasting 18 long years.

The special high court bench headed by Justice CR Kumaraswamy pronounced the judgment at 11 am as directed by the Supreme Court, which extended Jayalalithaa's bail up to May 12.

Mother's Day celebrations continue. Amma acquitted. #JayaVerdict

— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) May 11, 2015

The verdict as delivered with massive security in Bengaluru and other majors cities in TN. Thousands of AIADMK supporters from Tamil Nadu had come to Bengaluru to hear in person what Jayalalithaa‘s fate will be.

Many AIADMK workers in Tamil Nadu organised ‘poojas’ in temples for some good news on Jayalalithaa, and took out processions praying for a favourable judgement.

If the #JayaVerdict helps push reforms, that will be a plus. Modi has just won over Bengal. Politicians are rarely convicted, anyway.

— Deepak Mohoni (@deepakmohoni) May 11, 2015

Jayalalithaa was disqualified under the Representation of the People Act from contesting elections for a period of 10 years–four years from the date of conviction and six years thereafter.

with great power comes favorable court verdicts #JayaVerdict

— Jurno (@jurnoleast) May 11, 2015

During the hearing of the appeal, Jayalalithaa has contended that the then DMK government-led investigation had deliberately over-valued her assets and she had acquired the property, including jewellery, through legal means.

The AIADMK will now want their Amma back in the chief minister's seat as soon as possible. Rabi Bernard, an AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP and a party spokesperson, said Jayalalithaa will become the chief minister.

"There are only 9 to 10 months to go for elections. The state will go into election mode. Madam will take charge of all election and campaign activities," said Bernard.

Thanks to amma, jokes on judiciary to continue #JayaVerdict

— Shikha Bhattacharya (@crackwit) May 11, 2015

#JayaVerdict Tweets