Sasikala SC Verdict Live: The AIADMK chief can neither hold public office nor contest polls.
The Supreme Court bench of Justices PC Ghosh and Amitava Roy, concurrently, held AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala guilty of helping former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa amass illicit wealth worth over 60 crores in the 1990s and has sentenced her to four years imprisonment. Following her conviction, she cannot hold public office or contest elections for the period of her jail term and six years after that. Ms Sasikala will have to surrender immediately, which puts an end to her claim to be Tamil Nadu's next Chief Minister. As the verdict was delivered, supporters of interim Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam celebrated outside his residence.
Here are the live updates on the conviction of VK Sasikala in the DA case:
10.55 pm IST: VK Sasikala to surrender in Bengaluru tomorrow, says AIADMK sources. She is now headed to Poes Garden which was home to her and Jayalalithaa for decades.
10.46 pm IST: On the other hand, Sasikala breaks down while speaking, says, "No force can separate me AIADMK; no matter where I will be, I'll always think about the party."
10.44pm IST: Both Panneerselvam and I want justice, better future for AIADMK. Both of us will act as the AIADMK's two hands, says Deepa Jayakumar.
9.41 pm IST: In the meanwhile, Sasikala leaves from the Golden Bay resort, where the MLAs backing her are staying. She is seen in public for the first time after conviction.
9.37 pm IST: O Panneerselvam visits Amma's grave exactly after one week. Jayalalithaa's niece also there
9.29 pm IST: Deepa Jayakumar, Jayalalithaa's niece, joins Team Panneerselvam.
9.18 pm IST: OPS camp is now heading to Jaya Memorial at Chennai's Marina Beach
9.16 pm IST: Who is Edappadi K Palanisamy? Read here
7.51 pm IST: At Resort 'Hideout', Sasikala Sets Up Camp, MLA Escaped In Bermuda Shorts
6.35 pm IST: V Maitreyan and Manoj Pandian from OPS camp to meet Governor at 7pm.
6.30 pm IST: Supreme Court lawyer Parasaran says President's rule an option for Tamil Nadu.
6.24 pm IST: "Edapadi K Palanisamy is not a fit person to hold the post, he is fit for nothing. We went to the resort but we were prevented from entering," S Semmalai, AIADMK MLA and now supporter of Panneerselvam, said.
6.20 pm IST: E Palanisamy stakes claim to form government, presents list of MLAs supporting him.
6.00 pm IST: E Palanisamy leaves Raj Bhawan after meeting Governor C Vidyasagar Rao.
5.30 pm IST: Team Sasikala meets Tamil Nadu Governor at his residence, Raj Bhawan in Chennai
4.50 pm IST VK Sasikala unlikely to surrender today, say sources, hasn't received a copy of verdict
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4.00 pm IST: New AIADMK chief E Palanisamy to meet Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao at 5.30 pm
3.41 pm IST: Section 144 (prohibitory orders) imposed near resort area where VK Sasikala is camping with AIADMK legislators.
3.10 pm IST: 2 Months After Jayalalithaa's Death, One More Conviction, Sharp Comments
2.34 pm IST: 'Let's Unite' Says O Panneerselvam, Sends Team To Resort To Win Over AIADMK Legislators
2.00 pm IST: In Order Convicting Sasikala, Strong Comments About Jayalalithaa's Role
1.55 pm IST: Edappadi K Palanisamy is the new legislative party chief of the AIADMK.
1.34 pm IST: Sasikala Camp expells O Panneerselvam from party. Edapadi K Palanisamy elected AIADMK legislature party leader
1.02 pm IST: Selecting Tamil Nadu's New Chief Minister: The Governor's Choices.
12.45 pm IST: O Panneerselvam addresses supporters after VK Sasikala's conviction by the Supreme Court. "Will form a stable government in Amma's (Jayalalithaa) name," he says.
12.24 pm IST: Supreme Court Orders Jail for Sasikala: What Next
12.03 pm IST: In Tweets, AIADMK Links VK Sasikala's Conviction To Jayalalithaa's 'Ordeal'
11.45 am IST: Supporters of O Panneerselvam celebrate outside his residence.
11.33 am IST: The Supreme Court took minutes to declare Sasikala guilty, and then commotion.