Will the Rajasthan Government's Appeal Overturn the Acquittal of Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, and Others in the Blackbuck Poaching Case?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, the Rajasthan government has challenged the acquittal of Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, and Sonali Bendre in the notorious 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The High Court will hear this appeal on July 28, reigniting public interest in this long-standing legal saga.
Key Takeaways
- The Rajasthan government is challenging the acquittal of several Bollywood stars in a significant wildlife protection case.
- The 1998 blackbuck poaching incident has resurfaced in the legal spotlight.
- The next court hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2023.
- Salman Khan's conviction and subsequent acquittal highlight the complexities of legal proceedings in such high-profile cases.
- The ongoing legal battles may impact public perception of celebrity accountability.
Jaipur, May 17 (NationPress) The legal predicaments surrounding Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, and Sonali Bendre have reignited in the infamous 1998 blackbuck poaching case, as the Rajasthan government has filed an appeal in the High Court, contesting their previous acquittal.
The petition seeking leave to appeal was considered on Friday in front of Justice Manoj Kumar Garg, who has ordered that this case be heard alongside other related pending matters.
The subsequent hearing has been slated for July 28.
According to government attorney Advocate Mahipal Vishnoi, the alleged poaching incident took place on October 1, 1998, in Kankani village near Jodhpur, coinciding with the filming of the Bollywood movie 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain'.
On April 5, 2018, the trial court found actor Salman Khan guilty and sentenced him to five years in prison.
However, co-accused Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, Sonali Bendre, and Dushyant Singh were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The appeal from the state government contests these acquittals and will also address matters concerning the transfer petition permissions and the sentence imposed on Salman Khan.
The case from Kankani Village was reported in 1998, leading to Salman Khan's conviction on April 5, 2018, after which he was placed in Jodhpur Central Jail.
He was granted conditional bail on April 7, 2018, upon depositing Rs 50,000. He remains on bail, with the case currently awaiting resolution in the High Court.
Salman was initially sentenced to five years by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court on April 10, 2006. He appealed to the High Court, which acquitted him on July 25, 2016.
The state government subsequently contested this in the Supreme Court, where the case remains unresolved.
On February 17, 2006, Salman received a one-year prison sentence from the CJM Court in a different case, but he was later acquitted by the High Court.
Once again, the state government appealed to the Supreme Court, and the hearing is still ongoing.
Salman was also implicated in an Arms Act Case, from which he was acquitted on January 18, 2017, concerning illegal possession of firearms during the poaching incidents.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach this volatile legal matter with a balanced perspective. The appeal from the Rajasthan government highlights the ongoing complexities of wildlife protection laws and celebrity accountability. The outcome will likely influence public opinion and set precedents for future cases involving high-profile individuals.
NationPress
10/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the blackbuck poaching case?
The blackbuck poaching case refers to the alleged illegal hunting of blackbucks in 1998 during the filming of the Bollywood movie 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain'.
What are the next steps in the legal proceedings?
The Rajasthan High Court is set to hear the appeal filed by the state government on July 28, 2023, regarding the acquittal of the accused.
Who were the main accused in the case?
The main accused in the case included Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, and Sonali Bendre, along with Dushyant Singh.
What was Salman Khan's involvement in the case?
Salman Khan was convicted and sentenced to five years in jail for his role in the poaching incident but was later acquitted by the High Court.
What is the current status of Salman Khan's legal battles?
Salman Khan is currently out on bail, with multiple legal cases against him still pending in various courts.
