Jayalalithaa to walk out of Bangalore jail today

 Followed by the Apex court directive, the 66-year-old politician urged her party workers to remain calm and not resort to violence.

Jayalalithaa had sought bail on account of her age and health. She said she suffers from diabetes, hypertension, cellulitis and other ailments.

Jayalalithaa, three were convicted in the 18 year-old corruption case by a special court in Bangalore. The case was filed in 1996 by Subramanian Swamy, now a BJP leader.

It was argued in the court that she had amassed property worth Rs. 66.65 crores - including 30 kg of gold, 12,000 saris and 2000 acres of land- despite not taking any salary as chief minister. In reply, Jayalalithaa had said that she acquired her property and other assets through legal means, which was quashed by the special court.

The case against her was transferred in 2001 from Tamil Nadu to neighbouring Karnataka on the orders the Supreme Court. On September 27, the special court convicted Jayalalithaa after finding her guilty of amassing wealth disproportionate to her known sources of income during her first tenure as chief minister from 1991 to 1996.

The court sentenced her to four years in jail and imposed a fine of Rs. 100 crore.

Sources said the SC on Friday asked Jayalalithaa’s lawyers to ensure that all paperwork for her appeal is completed by December 18 or her bail could be cancelled.