A judge from the Rajasthan High Court has declined to hear appeals in the high-profile blackbuck poaching case involving Salman Khan and others, leading to the case being reassigned to a different bench.
The highly publicized appeal hearings regarding the Kankani blackbuck poaching case have been postponed again at the Rajasthan High Court. Justice Baljinder Singh Sandhu's bench has refused to hear the appeals related to the case, which has involved notable figures from the Indian film industry, including Salman Khan. As a result, the matter has now been put before another bench, and it will be decided by the Chief Justice who will determine which bench will proceed with the hearings. Currently, two appeals are pending in the court, but the future timeline for this case remains uncertain due to the refusal to proceed.
The state government has lodged a leave to appeal against the acquittal of several individuals, including Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu, and Sonali Bendre, who were previously released from all charges. This legal development has stirred renewed interest as it questions the earlier verdicts that led to their acquittal in this notorious case which dates back to incidents that occurred in 1998. The case was registered in the Luni police station, which included allegations of poaching occurring in the early hours of October 1 and 2, 1998, involving celebrities from the Indian film industry.
In relation to the allegations, Salman Khan faced actions under the Wildlife Protection Act, specifically Sections 9/51, indicating the seriousness with which such offenses are regarded in India. The refusal to hear the case may lead to delays in justice for the matters involving not just Salman Khan but also the other accused parties. This ruling reflects ongoing legal complexities and highlights persistent issues related to wildlife conservation laws in India, alongside the intertwining of celebrity influence and judicial processes.
