Tamil Nadu imbroglio : High Court asks for police report on missing MLAs

On Wednesday, more than 120 legislators of the ruling AIADMK were taken in luxury buses to hotels and resorts where they have been reportedly staying together lest they defect to O Paneerselvam, the man who has challenged Sasikala's claim to the Chief Minister's post.

It is expected that they will be paraded before the Governor for a show of strength.

According to reports,  Chennai police chief S George met with Governor C Vidyasagar Rao on Friday morning amid complaints by the  Panneerselvam camp that the lawmakers are being held "hostage".

All these MLAs have kept their mobiles switched off.

Of the 134 AIADMK lawmakers in the state, five have crossed over to  Panneerselvam, who resigned as Chief Minister earlier this week but later revolted, saying he was forced by Sasikala to quit and is ready to continue in the post if the supporters want.

Panneerselvam, who enjoys the backing of few senior AIADMK leaders opposed to Sasikala's sudden ascent, has asked for five days to prove that he has the support of his party lawmakers.

Both Sasikala and Paneerselvam separately met Governor C Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday to present their cases. The Governor reportedly told Sasikala that the list of MLAs she submitted as the proof of support in her favour would be verified.

Leaders of the Sasikala camp have claimed that all MLAs lodged in the resort have willingly switched off their mobile phones as they are getting threatening calls.

The High Court had on Thursday dismissed petitions alleging "illegal detention" of lawmakers after the Government's lawyers said the legislators are "free to move around."