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Sanjay Dutt back in Prison |
Sanjay Dutt has been found guilty of possessing an AK-56 rifle and a 9mm pistol under India’s Arms Act. Whole morning I have been keeping a tab via on-line news regarding Dutt Jr. court appearance today. To tell you the truth with the success of his recent films, regular television interviews and numerous rounds of holy places - I actually believed that he would be let-off by the Indian courts.
Just like me, I am sure there are many others who would have surely been shocked on hearing this court verdict. Though he was acquitted of more serious conspiracy charges, Sanjay could still face upto maximum 5 years in prison for the charges he has been found guilty off.
Obviously the judge’s ruling did not go down with the accused and his family.
Dutt was in court to hear Tuesday’s verdict and looked agitated as the judge delivered his verdict.
Dressed in a grey and red-checked shirt and jeans with a vermillion mark on his forehead, the actor told the judge: “I am the only earning member of the family.”
He was ordered to stop speaking and to remain in court. All accused pronounced guilty are immediately taken into police custody.
Judge PD Kode said the actor was guilty of illegally possessing weapons that had been given to him by some of the men accused of carrying out the bomb attacks, but he added: “I’ve not found him to be a terrorist or destructor.”
His sentencing will be pronounced at a later date. And the thing is, even if Dutt’s team of lawyers decide to file an appeal against the decision it would take atleast a month or so for the actor to acquire bail - which means no matter what, his new home will be a prison cell for atleast some time.
Another important aspect of this verdict is its impact on Bollywood Industry. Despite the convicted actor’s aging appearance there are still many producers and film banners who have invested huge amounts funds on their forthcoming projects with him. The shocking judgment will not only result in crores of losses in the Hindi Film Industry but has also dis-heartened numerous die-hard fans of the super-star.
For some the court’s ruling would be seen in a positive light afterall it proves that no-matter where you come from, everyone is the same in the eyes of the law. But to me somehow it seems that Sanjay may have been a victim of his own star-status. I mean considering the fact that he has already spent nearly 2 years in prison over the same offence; the judge’s decision appears to be harsh and not justified.
But as always, the Law & Order system in our country works in mysterious ways. The ones who need to be kept away from the society walk around as free men and the ones who have paid for their mistakes are continued to be punished.
However for now Sanjay Dutt’s life and career both have once again been put on hold and unfortunately this time round he doesn’t even have the shoulder of his father to lean on.
Comments
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Kapil
Nov 28th, 2006 at 10:04 am | #
I am with you on this one. I feel very sorry for this soul. The guy has gone through a mess already for the same offence a few years back. And now it’s back to the jail again.
You could have not ended the post on a better note than this: But as always, the Law & Order system in our country works in mysterious ways.
shadows
Nov 28th, 2006 at 11:54 am | #
To tell you the truth with the success of his recent films, regular television interviews and numerous rounds of holy places - I actually believed that he would be let-off by the Indian courts.
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awww come on Sakshi, I thought you would be happy to see justice being delivered finally. What if manu sharma were an actor, a successful one at that ??
And even Islamic terrorists fight in the name of God, visit madrassas and dargahs regularly, pray 5 times a day etc.
Saakshi O. Juneja
Nov 28th, 2006 at 1:05 pm | #
Shadows - My dear friend…you should know me better to even impose such a question. Manu Sharma and Sanjay Dutt cases are world’s apart and NO its got nothing to do with being an actor or not.
Sanjay Dutt for the crime he has been found guilty off…he in a way has already served the sentence for. Justice was done the day he was first sent to prison. Then he continued to suffer with the 13 years of his life spent running around the courts.
Whereas Manu Sharma is a cold blooded murderer…who continues to lead a normal life because our same justice system doesn’t think he is a criminal..thanks to many external and internal forces.
As for terrorists…when they kill innocent lives…be it for whatever fuckin reasons…theyare nothing but criminals.
Anshul
Nov 29th, 2006 at 8:00 am | #
Sakshi,
Are you aware of this - News
And an entire PR exercise - Arshad Warsi writing a letter in Mid day, Sunju baba visiting dargahs and mandirs……Man methinks this case shud be an marketing cum PR case study!
As for he having already served two years I guess the total minimum term is 3 to 5 years so he still has 3 years to complete.
shadows
Nov 29th, 2006 at 9:27 am | #
“you should know me better to even impose such a question”
err.. Sorry bout that.
>>> > Sanjay Dutt for the crime he has been found guilty off…he in a way has already served the sentence for. Justice was done the day he was first sent to prison. Then he continued to suffer with the 13 years of his life spent running around the courts.
Well, its not the same as being in prison. Running around courts is not a major or big deal for famous and powerful people like Sanjay Dutt(Sunil Dutt had managed to keep him out of jail thanks to his stature as an MP… ). They have a battery of lawyers working for them. It would definitely be a problem for the unknown faces. But then, why should he be let off by the courts? I mean, he is guilty. In fact, I think he is lucky. Even his family was pretty much happy with the verdict. He escaped the TADA charges, even though he allowed his home to be used by terrorists as a transit point for weapons.
Saakshi O. Juneja
Nov 29th, 2006 at 9:57 am | #
Shadows - I understand where you are getting and agreed the Dutt’s have a whole team of lawyers doing the ‘do’ for him but you also have to understand the charges laid upon him. There can be no doubt that the Dutt’s did suffer humiliation and loss-of-self respect after being labeled as anti-national. And as far as I know he was infact placed under high-surveillance during the entire 13 years and did suffer loss of freedom to a certain extent.
But yes, as you said it’s not the same as being in the prison. But I guess he did see that severe side too with his 18 months in there. I feel instead of awarding him a further prison sentence maybe the court order a sort of community service or something on these lines as it’s done abroad. (this was suggested on another blog)
The family is simply relived that the heaviest of all charges have been taken off him but I am sure they are still worried about the pending sentence under Arms Act.
Melody
Nov 29th, 2006 at 3:32 pm | #
“However for now Sanjay Dutt’s life and career both have once again been put on hold”
Well - it’s not really all that bad now is it? He’s out on bail & everything really seems as good as it can get under the circumstances. I for one am pleased “he’s not a terrorist”
angel
Aug 3rd, 2007 at 6:59 am | #
its true that he has done something wrong but why wasnt the judgement taken at that time..he has already paid for every crime he has done…
there might have been other types of punishment where a person can make better use of his punishment like serving the needy or something like that..
its really unfair and i think we should all be with sanjay as his strength.
there are many others who have committed crimes far worse than this one and are still not behind the bars.
what abt those pple.?
i really hope the judgement changes.