The former chief minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa has been cleared of all charges of corruption by an Indian court on Monday.
"Truth and justice have prevailed," said Ms Jayalalithaa in a statement after the court decision. "I am immensely satisfied, the verdict has paved the way for me to emerge as tested pure gold," she added.
Ms Jayalalithaa maintained that there was no wrongdoing and that the charges were “foisted (on me) by political enemies.”
The ruling now clears the way for her to return as chief minister.
Ms Jayalalithaa was initially convicted and sentenced by an Indian court in September after being found guilty of corruption. However, High Court judge C R Kumaraswamy declared her "appeal upheld" at the hearing in Bangalore.
Supporters had gathered outside her house in Chennai where they lit firecrackers, handed out sweets and many were seen weeping tears of joy at the news.
Also see our earlier posts:
O. Panneerselvam to be Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after Jaya conviction (28
September 2014)
Jayalalithaa convicted in corruption case, will have to stand down as CM (27
September 2014)