Salman Khan sentence suspended

The High Court in Mumbai suspended the recent sentence of Bollywood Actor Salman Khan pending an appeal application.  The appeal is expected to be heard in July after the court specifies outlines in June about how the appeal will be heard.

Among the conditions specified by the court, Khan would need to seek permission if he wants to travel overseas since he will have to surrender his passport with the authorities. Khan was also required to furnish a bail bond of RS.30,000 ($500 USD).

Khan was convicted in a 2002 Hit and Run case and sentenced to 5 years prison.  Many expected Khan to be jailed on Friday but the court extended bail. A final appeal hearing is due in July.  Khan argued his driver had been behind the wheel, but the judge said it was the actor who had been driving, under the influence of alcohol.  Within hours of his conviction on Wednesday, Khan approached the high court and was given interim bail for two days.  

While Khan’s friends and colleagues in Bollywood and many fans have spoken out in his support, others called for him to be treated like any other citizen of the country who had committed a crime.

On Friday, Khan’s fans celebrated outside him home – many were seen distributing sweets, setting off firecrackers, dancing and singing in his support.

Related News: Salman Khan sentenced to 5 years.