In a huge relief for former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, the Karnataka High Court on Monday set aside her conviction in the disproportionate assets case paving the way for her return to active politics.

Soon after the High Court assembled, Justice CR Kumaraswamy pronounced the judgement acquitting her in the 18-year-old disproportionate assets case starting wild celebrations by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) workers and leaders in Bengaluru and back in Tamil Nadu.

With her acquittal, her disqualification under the Representation of People’s Act (RPA) also stands cancelled and she can become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu once again. She can now take over as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister by removing her aide O Paneerselvam and then lead the AIADMK in the Assembly election due in May 2016.