Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and three others have been sentenced to four years in jail by a special court in Bangalore in a 66.65 crore rupees Disproportionate Assets case today. She has also been fined Rs. 100 crore.

The other accused, N Sasikalaa, J Elavarasi and V N Sudhakaran have been fined Rs. 10 crore each.

They were convicted by special judge John Michael D'Cunha.

The verdict was delivered at a makeshift court in the Parappana Agrahara prison complex in Bangalore in the presence of Jayalalithaa and the other accused.

The case was registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption of Tamil Nadu police in 1996.

Reacting to the court verdict, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said that court has given an appropriate punishment and the country has now reached a stage where strong example need to be set.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that as the law stand today, unless she obtains a stay of conviction, she can not continue as Chief Minister.

CPI leader D Raja said that the court decision is very significant and it will have a deep political impact in Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Raja also said the Chief Minister has left with no other option but to resign.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia has welcomed the court verdict, saying that such judgment should have come earlier.