Supporters erupt in joy over Amma's acquittal in court

A battery of advocates from Tamil Nadu heaved a sigh of relief and thumped their fists in joy as they heard the two words “appeals allowed’’ when the Karnataka High Court judge Justice C R Kumaraswamy pronounced the order in the appeals filed by AIADMK supremo J Jayalalitha and others challenging their conviction in disproportionate assets case by the special court.

They appeared impatient and were controlling their urge to celebrate. However, hardly a minute later, after Justice Kumaraswamy left the court hall, the advocates started congratulating each other. Boxes of Thirnaveli halwa appeared from nowhere and disappeared at the same speed leaving the empty boxes.

Some erupted with joy raising slogans, “Puratchi thalaivi valge.’’ (Long live our leader). However, the alert police and High Court staff managed to send them out. Still many were found outside the court telephoning their relatives and friends in Tamil Nadu, saying ‘’Ammavaku Vidudalai (amma is free).’’ ‘’Nango Jaychitengo (we won), Vetri (victory).’’
Many touched senior counsel’s feet thanking him. Some wept with joy.

When questioned about the judgement, an advocate said, “We had not expected this. It is completely in our favour.”  AIADMK cadre assembled outside the court were heard saying that Jayalalitha will be sworn in as chief minister Monday itself.

Security beefed up
Anticipating a huge influx of AIADMK cadre to Bengaluru, the police had thrown a security ring around the High Court. Police personnel stood guard at the entrance allowing advocates with ID cards and only accredited media perons inside the court premises. This led to a altercation between the police and the media. Hundreds of police were found guarding the entire High Court premises. Bomb disposal squad and dog squad were also pressed into service.

However, the matter was resolved with the arrival of Advocates’ Association President H C Shivaram, who identified the High Court reporters and helped them enter the court premises. Outside the court hall also, Alok Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru West) and B S Angadi, High Court DySP stood at the entrance and said that only those advocates who will be filing vakalathnama should enter the Court hall.

When the Tamil Nadu advocates said that there were 27 of them, the officials refused to permit everyone and demanded the exact number of advocates who would file vakalathnama.

 The TN advocates furnished a list which was scrutinised thoroughly before allowing the advocates inside.