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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Dec 10, 2015, 08:27 PM IST
The Bombay High Court on Thursday acquitted actor Salman Khan who had challenged the earlier conviction and sentence of five years imposed on him by the trial court in the 2002 hit and run case.
Justice AR Joshi held that prosecution has failed to prove all charges against Salman Khan beyond a reasonable doubt. There were several infirmities and improvements in the testimony of witnesses, including the injured, and star prosecution witness deceased constable Ravindra Patil.
The court while allowing the appeal and quashing the conviction, rapped the Bandra police for the callous investigation carried out by them.
The court has also held that the prosecution is not able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and the trial court had erred in wrongly appreciating the evidence brought on record by the prosecution.
Salman Khan who is presently out on bail, was asked to appear in court and the judgement was read out to him. He shall continue his freedom, while the state government contemplates whether to appeal against the acquittal in the apex court.
I accept the decision of the judiciary with humility. I thank my family, friends & fans for their support & prayers .
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) December 10, 2015
Maharashtra government will decide on further course of action in Salman case after examining High Court verdict, says CM Devendra Fadnavis (PTI)
Will decide further course of action after going through judgement copy: Ram Shinde, MoS Home Maha) #SalmanVerdict pic.twitter.com/PQ2lL9l3kO
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 10, 2015
Salman Khan's fans in Bhopal celebrate his acquittal #salmankhanverdict https://t.co/UuM2OjjTVA
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 10, 2015
Witnesses taking money and turning hostile is nothing new-Joginder Singh,former CBI director #salmankhanverdict pic.twitter.com/DqGF0FH5c7
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 10, 2015
Salman Khan's passport will also be returned back to him, says lawyer Amit Desai
Lawyer Abha Singh on the verdict
It is very surprising that facts on which sessions court convicted Salman Khan were set aside by High Court.
Sad day. I hope Maharashtra government will appeal against the verdict in Supreme Court.
Bandra police directed to return passport.
Salman khan sister alvira and manager reshma cry and hug each other. They have been coming to court on daily basis.
Salman, surrounded by his family members, breaks down after hearing the verdict.
Fans gather outside Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai to celebrate his acquittal #salmankhanverdict pic.twitter.com/OiXuwHGVUI
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 10, 2015
He is a very good human being, good that he got acquitted: Salman Khan's fan outside his residence in Mumbai
HC tells #salmankhan to furnish pr bond of Rs 25,000 within two weeks before trial court for completion of formalities.
— Mustafa Plumber (@plumbermushi) December 10, 2015
#salmankhan Bandra police directed to return passport @dna
— Mustafa Plumber (@plumbermushi) December 10, 2015
Salman Khan arrives in High Court steps in witness box, waits for justice AR Joshi to arrive.
Security tightened in Bombay High Court. Salman Khan to arrive shortly
HC evidence appreciated by trial court is not proper and legal. Trial court had errerd kin accepting bills proving #salmankhan drank @dn
— Mustafa Plumber (@plumbermushi) December 10, 2015
#salmankhan site map of the accident prepared by Bandra police was prepared after the car was towed away from spot high court @dna
— Mustafa Plumber (@plumbermushi) December 10, 2015
#salmankhan Justice A R Joshi held that prosecution has failed to prove all charges against Salman khan beyond reasonable doubt
— Mustafa Plumber (@plumbermushi) December 10, 2015
On the basis of evidence submitted by the prosecution, Salman cannot be convicted, the judge says while dictating verdict.
Prosecution has failed to establish its case against the appellant accused (Salman Khan) on all charges, the judge says while dictating verdict on hit-and-run case.
