Temporary relief for embattled star
Salman Khan, one of the biggest stars of the Hindi film industry, was granted relief by the Mumbai High Court on May 8 after he was sentenced to five years in prison by a lower Court two days earlier.
The conviction came with Salman found guilty in a hit and run case dating back to September 28, 2002.
The Sessions Court ruled that Salman was involved in culpable homicide, amounting to murder for killing one person and injuring four others. The accident happened in the area of Bandra in Mumbai, when Salman’s car crashed into a Bakery.
The High Court admitted his appeal against his conviction, suspended his sentence of five years’ rigorous imprisonment and released him on bail pending his appeal against the conviction. Further hearings on the case are expected to take place from next month.
Fans rejoice
The decision of the Court brought immense joy and relief to the Film Industry and the many die hard Salman Khan Fans.
However, this trial has raised many important questions, which should cause all involved parties to introspect.
Firstly, why did the case take as long as 13 years to reach a verdict?
Does this show how overburdened the Indian Judicial system is?
Delayed Justice
For a country aspiring to be a global superpower, such tardy pace of imparting justice is unacceptable. The Government should look at providing more resources and undertaking reforms to make the Judiciary in synchronisation with today’s times and needs.
Imagine the plight of the common man in such an environment.
A swifter and more transparent legal system will also inspire more corporates to enter and expand their businesses in India without being held back by getting involved in legal cases, where it take an eternity to arrive at any outcome.
The Judiciary must strive harder in high profile cases to ensure that the accused, however popular they may be, should not in any way cloud decisions.
Media misuse
The most disappointing aspect of this case has been the way the freedom of social media has been misused by some people in the Hindi film industry.
One time famous singers and wannabe stars have tweeted insensitive comments against the victims in the garb of showing solidarity to Salman.
That such thought processes still exist in modern times is disheartening.
Charitable Trust
Despite their own hang-ups and prejudices, the doyens of Hindi films rallied behind Salman but no one commented on the legal proceedings.
They said that Salman has a large heart and helps people in need and cited ‘Being Human,’ a charitable trust established by the actor as an example. The Trust is engaged in a number of educational and healthcare projects.
But are these good deeds enough to escape punishment if Salman was driving the car on that fateful night?
Time will tell.
About the Actor
Salman Khan started his career 27 years ago in a supporting role in the Rekha starrer ‘Biwi Ho to Aisi.’ His big break came with the Sooraj Barjatya directed ‘Maine Pyar Kiya,’ which made him a teenage heartthrob.
He compensated for his lackluster performance with dashing looks and a perfectly sculpted body. His mannerisms and style gave him a huge legion of fans.
Expanding his repertoire beyond romantic films, Salman found success in comedy as well. Release of his films is now similar to an event of national importance in India.
Salman also enjoys phenomenal popularity outside Indian shores.
The British media showed immense interest in the court case, event as a keenly fought general election was underway.
Salman currently has film projects worth Rs 2.5 billion.
