A Mumbai sessions court on Wednesday convicted Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the 2002 hit-and-run-case and said all charges against him are proved.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was on Wednesday sentenced to five years in jail by a Mumbai sessions court in the 2002 hit and run case, with all charges proved against him.
The judgement in the over 12-year-old case, whose trial saw many twists and turns, was delivered by Judge D W Deshpande where the 49-year-old actor and his family were present.
However, Salman Khan cannot apply for a bail in the session court and will have to approach High Court. But the Bombay High Court goes to vacation next week and therefore, he may be in for a long haul.
While the Judge DW Deshpande sentenced Salman, his head was tilted down and had no expression on his face nor tears.
Earlier in the day, before giving the verdict, the court held that Salman was driving under the influence of alcohol and also did not have a driving license.
The court relied upon judgements in Alistair Pereira and Nikhil Nanda BMW case of Delhi while convicting Salman.
It also asked what he had to say on the verdict to which he denied charges saying he was not driving the car at the time of mishap.
Meanwhile, Salman Khan’s lawyer had pleaded with judge for maximum sentence of 2 years and a fine, keeping in mind Salman Khan’s humanitarian work.
The 49-year-old actor is charged with culpable homicide and could face up to 10 years in jail. However, if the actor is sentenced for less than three years in jail, he can apply for bail immediately.
Salman has been booked under Section 304 A of the Indian Penal Code (rash and negligent driving); 279 (rash driving); 337 (causing minor injuries); 338 (causing major injuries) 427 (negligence) in connection with the case.
Under Motor Vehicle Act Sections 34 (a), (b) read with 181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules); 185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
A tight security blanket was thrown around the court when sessions judge D W Deshpande pronounces the judgement. Only the lawyers, media and the court staff were allowed to be present.
