Sanjay Dutt Acquitted and Convicted

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.'s 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 of.

Obviously the judge's ruling did not go down with the accused and his family.

BBC reports:

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.