A followup to the big news yesterday of J Jayalalithaa's acquittal in the disproportionate assets case.


While early reports yesterday said Jaya would immediately resume responsibilities as chief minister Tamil Nadu, this is not true.

The fact is that unless the Election Commission withdraws the disqualification order of Jayalalithaa as a Member of Legislative Assembly, she cannot be sworn in as Chief Minister.


This process normally takes two working days and here's how it works: Jayalalithaa has to write to the Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Assembly enclosing a copy of the Karnataka High Court order clearing her of all charges and acquitting her from the disproportionate assets case.


The letter will be sent to the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi through the CEO of Tamil Nadu. It is in fact, the Secretary of TN Assembly, Jamaluddin, who unseated Jayalalitha and therefore action should begin from the secretary.