We made sure that we reached the Karnataka High Court early on Monday morning - the day for the verdict on J Jayalalithaa's appeal against her conviction in a corruption case. Last time, at the special court near Bengaluru Central Jail, there were barricades and road blocks. Vehicles without passes were not allowed near the court; we reporters were kept in an enclosure about half a kilometre away from the court - hot, hungry and thirsty as the hours rolled by for September's verdict that led to her being sentenced to four years in jail and a 100-crore fine.
Today was very different. Firstly, Jayalalithaa herself was not in Bengaluru - and also missing, as a result, were the adoring and frenzied crowds that tried to see her last time.
Secondly, police had put prohibitory orders in place for 1 km around the High Court. So apart from lawyers, police - and us media people, there was nobody around. We could peacefully get on with live reports and phone calls.
Thirdly, the location of the High Court, right next to Cubbon Park itself, is so much more pleasant than the Central Jail. Waiting under the trees was vastly more pleasant than on the bare roads near the Central Jail.
Fourthly, accredited reporters were allowed inside the court (in September, we had to rely on news from party workers and others). This time, we could hear court proceedings for ourselves.
I went to court hall 14 on the first floor - this was the only case being heard today - and of course the court was packed. The judge arrived - and in a matter of seconds it was over. Justice Kumaraswamy read out the operative part of the judgement - upholding Jayalalithaa's appeal - and lawyers and mediapersons were streaming out of the court hall.
And Jayalalithaa was acquitted. And the attention turned from the Karnataka High Court to the fallout in Tamil Nadu.
(Maya Sharma is NDTV's Resident Editor in Bengaluru)Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.