Blackbuck case: Rajasthan HC accepts state govt's plea challenging acquittal of Saif, Tabu, Sonali Bendre

Earlier last year, Salman Khan was convicted in the case while the other stars were acquitted.

By ET Online and Agencies | Updated: Sep 16, 2019, 12.20 PM IST

Blackbuck Poaching case: Rajasthan HC accepts plea against acquittal of actors

The Rajasthan High Court on Monday heard a petition moved by the state Government challenging the acquittal of actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam Kothari in the two-decade old blackbuck poaching case.

The Rajashthan govt had filed the plea after the stipulated 60 days, hence the govt was heard by the HC today. The court has has accepted its argument, and the plea against the acquittal of the actors has been admitted by the HC.

Earlier last year, Salman Khan was convicted in the case, that also involves the remaining cast of the 1998 film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. The actor, who was convicted under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and awarded a five-year prison term, was later granted bail.

The Bollywood stars and a local, Dushyant Singh, allegedly killed two blackbucks in Jodhpur during the shooting of the film. Blackbucks fall under the endangered category and their hunting is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Earlier in May, Justice Manoj Garg had issued fresh notices to the five stars accused on a petition moved by the state government.

1998 Blackbuck Verdict: Salman Breaks Down, Consoled By Sister In Court

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Salman Khan made headlines on Thursday as he was sentenced to five years in prison by a Jodhpur court for his role in the blackbuck killing case of 1998. The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dev Kumar Khatri, while announcing the verdict, called the actor a 'habitual offender'.

Salman, dressed in a black shirt and jeans, was seen arriving in court wearing dark glasses. He was flanked by his regular bodyguard Shera, even as 200 cops were deployed to provide security outside the court premises.