Hearing of Salman's hit-and-run case adjourned to Apr 8

Hearing of the 2002 hit-and-run case involving Salman Khan was today deferred to April 8 by a Sessions Court.

The actor, who had returned from the US in the early hours Sunday, was widely expected to appear before the court since it was the first day of hearing in the case, which has already been tried by a Magistrate's court.

A no-show: Salman Khan

The actor's return from the US, just a day ahead of hearing, had fuelled speculation in the media that he would make a personal appearance.

Though crowds thronged around the courtroom building in anticipation of their favourite star, they were left disappointed.

His lawyers told the court that they had not formally received a summons for an appearance, but had relied on media reports and turned up.

"You can appear suo moto from now on. There is no need to insist [on summons] to ask for an appearance," judge UB Hejib said.

The case dates back to September 28, 2002 when one person was killed and four others were injured when the 'Land Cruiser' allegedly driven by the actor crushed a group of people sleeping on the pavement outside a bakery in Bandra.u00a0

(With inputs from agencies)