Madras High Court upholds disqualification of 18 MLAs. Details here-

In a massive development in Tamil Nadu and big setback for TTV Dhinakaran camp, the Madras High Court on Thursday upheld the Tamil Nadu speaker's decision and said the disqualification of 18 MLAs is valid. Justice M. Sathyanarayanan while delivering the verdict said, 'By-elections can happen at these constituencies, they can be announced as vacant'.

Reacting to the verdict, Dhinakaran said that 'It's not a setback, it's an experience for me'.

"We were expecting a good decision from the court. We'll discuss with the 18 MLAs and then will decide the next course of action. We respect the decision as it is given by the court," said. TTV Dhinakaran.

READ | Madras High Court To Deliver Verdict On 18 AIADMK MLAs Disqualification Case. LIVE Updates Here-

Dhinakaran also said that the MLAs went to Courtallam resort out of their own accord and no one forced them to. TTV Dhinakaran also termed OPS and EPS betrayers, saying, "OPS and EPS are betrayers, they can't call me betrayers. We'll decide regarding the appeal or to contest in the election after meetings."

He also claimed that if by polls happen, they will face and win it. "We will also win the elections if the polls are conducted at these constituencies. RK Nagar can be one example on how people are supporting me and they know who are betrayers," said TTV Dhinakaran.

"I might go to meet the disqualified MLAs today evening," he added.

In September 2017, all the 18 MLAs revolted against Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami and were subsequently disqualified by the speaker Dhanapal.The MLAs moved the High Court challenging their disqualification. In April this year, the court delivered a split verdict. The first split verdict was pronounced during the month of June 2018 where the Chief Justice of Madras High Court and the second judge gave split verdict and hence the CJ suggested a third bench.

TTV Dinakaran approached supreme court asking it should take up this matter for hearing, stating that the government in Tamil Nadu can influence the court verdict. Hence, the Supreme Court appointed the third judge M Sathyanarayanan