Why leniency only to Sanjay Dutt? Prisoner files PIL

Sanjay Dutt

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL), challenging actor Sanjay Dutt's early release on remission, has been filed at the Bombay High Court. The court is likely to hear the petition today when the actor is also likely to be released from Yerawada Jail in Pune.

Sanjay Dutt

Borivli resident Pradeep Bhalekar approached the Bombay High Court through his lawyer Nitin Satpute, asking how, when several inmates' applications for remission of punishment are pending, actor Dutt has been granted remission.

"There are several inmates rotting in jail despite good behaviour. Their punishment is not reduced. What good has actor Sanjay Dutt done for society? Why this special favour to him? Didn't he carry out activities against the country? He was in touch with top gangsters in the country and you are giving him remission," said advocate Satpute.

Satpute also pointed out that Dutt had jumped parole twice in the punishment term since March 2013.

Speaking to mid-day, Bhalekar said that he had approached Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but he did not entertain him.

"Why is the state favouring a person like Dutt? What good has he done to the society? He is getting six months remission for good behaviour. I have seen several inmates who are dying in jails because they are not getting proper medical treatment. Why can't such people who also have good behaviour get remission?" said Bhalekar, who is a social worker.

The court is likely to hear his petition on Thursday. If the actor comes out of jail, the Bombay High court has the powers to send him back to jail claimed Satpute.

Dutt was arrested in April 1993 for possession of an illegal 9mm pistol and type 56 assault rifle. He was booked under the stringent Terrorist and Disruptive Prevention Activities Act, which was later withdrawn. He got bail after 18 months of prison term.

The Supreme Court in March 2013 convicted Dutt of a five-year prison term.

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