The Hindu : Front Page : Campaign for Sanjay Dutt unfair, says prosecutor

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Monday, Aug 06, 2007
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Campaign for Sanjay Dutt unfair, says prosecutor

Mumbai: The prosecutor in the 1993 serial blasts case on Friday described an attempt by Bollywood to start a signature campaign in support of jailed actor Sanjay Dutt as “unfair” and said he would be forced to take legal action if it continued.

“This type of campaign is unfair. This shakes the confidence of the common man in the judiciary and is an indirect attempt at influencing the court of law,” Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said.

“There are still remedies left open to the convicted prisoner,” he told PTI here.

Mr. Nikam was reacting to media reports that Bollywood stars were thinking of launching a signature campaign to free Sanjay Dutt, who was last week given a six-year jail term by a TADA court for illegally possessing weapons. “If someone starts such a campaign criticising the order of the court (before the prisoner seeks relief), it certainly amounts to contempt of court. I am watching the events carefully and if this continues, I will be forced to take legal action,” Mr. Nikam said.

He criticised the role of TV channels in the matter, saying, “The way they are running polls and interviews, romanticising the prisoner, is ridiculous. Why isn’t Bollywood shedding tears for the victims of the bomb blasts?”

Sanjay Dutt, now being held in Yeravada Jail, is expected to appeal against his sentence in the Supreme Court. — PTI

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