The Supreme Court is all set to pronounce its verdict in a disproportionate assets case involving AIADMK chief V K Sasikala. The verdict will decide Sasikala’s political fate as the ruling can have a direct bearing on the political uncertainty that has gripped the Tamil Nadu for over a week now.
While her acquittal will instantly boost chances of overcoming caretaker CM O Panneerselvam as the real successor to late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, an adverse verdict can bar her from becoming a legislator and force Sasikala to look for another candidate.
However, the latter will work on Panneerselvam’s advantage as he seeks to weaken Sasikala’s strong clutch over party MLAs.
There is likelihood that the judgment itself could be the reason for further suspense. A split decision by the two-judge bench will mean the case is sent to a larger bench. In that case, Governor Vidyasagar Rao may have to bank on attorney general Mukul Rohatgi’s view delivered to him on Monday.
As per the sources, Rohatgi recommended governor to summon a special session of the assembly “possibly within a week” and conduct a composite floor test to decide who has the confidence of the House, Sasikala or Pannerselvam.
The case State of Karnataka vs Jayalalithaa and others includes the names of Sasikala and her relatives J Elavarasi and V N Sudhakaran, the disclaimed foster son of Jayalalithaa, is listed for ruling on Tuesday at 10.30am before a bench of Justices P C Ghose and Amitava Roy.
