Jayalalitha to spend another night in jail, to be released tomorrow

AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, granted bail by the Supreme Court in the disproportionate assets case, is expected to step out of the prison here tomorrow after completion of formalities.

"Jayalalithaa will be released... but tomorrow because we have yet to complete formalities for her release from the prison," Jayalalithaa's senior counsel B Kumar told PTI here.

Kumar said they would tomorrow approach the Special Court, which had sentenced the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to four years in jail, to furnish surety for her release after receiving copy of the Supreme Court order.

"We will get the Supreme Court order copy by today evening. Tomorrow, we will approach the special court and furnish surety to secure my client's (Jayalalithaa) release," he said.

DIG Prisons P M Jaisimha said the release will happen "definitely tomorrow." He had earlier said formalities would be completed today.

He said he had met Jayalalithaa last night only to enquire about her health, not talk about her bail. He said Jayalalithaa's health condition is fine. "She told me she is fine, health-wise and not having any problems."

AIADMK supporters erupted into boisterous celebrations near the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, where Jayalalithaa is lodged since September 27, after the news broke about the apex court granting bail to her. They danced in joy and hailed their leader.

Tight security was in place in and around the jail complex where prohibitory orders were in force with over 1,000 policemen on duty, apart from senior officials, including five DCPs. City Armed Reserve force was also deployed, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Alok Kumar said. 

Security in and around Hosur road on Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, about 20 km from the prison complex, was stepped up to prevent any untoward incident as many AIADMK supporters have been camping in the area in various lodges and resorts, anticipating their leader's release. The entry point on the road leading to the jail is blocked at least a kilometre away from it.

Earlier, the Supreme Court granted bail to Jayalalithaa after a bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu stayed the sentence and warned Jayalalithaa against causing any delay by seeking adjournment in her appeal in Karnataka High Court.

Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala and her relatives V N Sudhakaran, disowned foster-son of the former Chief Minister, and Ilavarasi, who are also lodged in the same prison since September 27, were also granted bail.

Special Court judge John Michael D'Cunha had sent Jayalalithaa and three others to four years in jail in the 18-year-old Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate assets case.

The Karnataka High Court had on October 7 rejected the bail pleas of Jayalalithaa and the three others, following which they moved the apex court.