Salman Khan has been convicted by the Sessions Court in all the charges levied against him by the prosecution today. Here are 10 things you should know about the case.
1) Salman has been charged of culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Sec 304 II) amongst other things. This charge is a non-bailable offence and he can face imprisonment upto 10 years if the Judge decides.
2) The other charges levied against him are the following:
Section 337 of Indian Penal Code: Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others
Section 338 of Indian Penal Code: Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others
Section 3(1) of Motor Vehicles Act: No person shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place unless he holds an effective driving licence issued to him authorising him to drive the vehicle.
Section 134 of Motor Vehicles Act: Duty of driver in case of accident and injury to a person
Section 187 of Motor Vehicles Act: Punishment for drunken driving
Section 185 of Motor Vehicles Act: If a driver or an owner fails to report involvement of his/her vehicle in an accident and give the required information to the Police Officer concerned, he/she shall be punishable with imprisonment up to 3 months or fine up to 500/- or both in addition to the punishment for the accident, in case convicted
Section 279: Rash driving or riding on a public way
3) Around 200-250 crores are riding on Salman’s shoulders with big movies like Kabir Khan‘s Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sooraj Barjatya‘s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, which are still awaiting release. Salman has apparently finished shooting for Bajrangi Bhaijaan but Prem Ratan Dhan Payo still needs the actor.
4) “You were driving the car, improbable that your driver was at wheel,” is what the Sessions Court judge apparently told Salman.
5) The final sentence which will state how rigorous Salman’s punishment will be is going to be announced tomorrow according to reports. The defense has appealed for 2 years imprisonment and fine; this is the lightest sentence one can ask for under Sec. 304 II.
6) If Salman is convicted for less than three years, he can approach the Sessions Court for bail.
7) Salman still maintains that he did not drive the car, hence he is not guilty.
8) The next step for Salman would be to appeal to the High Court. If the HC does not rule in his favour, he can then take his plea to the Supreme Court.
9) Perjury (lying under oath) charges have been levied on Ashok Singh, Salman’s driver who claimed to be driving the car during the accident.
10) Salman Khan’s lawyer says they’ve paid 19 lakhs as compensation to victims and would do more if ordered.
We will bring you more updates once any further news comes up on Salman Khan’s verdict.
More stories on Salman Khan’s hit-and-run case:
Salman Khan found guilty in the hit-and-run case
Salman Khan’s lawyers plead for minimum sentence for the actor