Acquit me or release me on parole: Dutt

Citing several community service initiatives taken by him, actor Sanjay Dutt on Tuesday made a plea for his release under the Probation of Offenders’ Act in case the Supreme Court didn’t reverse his conviction in the 1993 blasts case.

Citing several community service initiatives taken by him, actor Sanjay Dutt on Tuesday made a plea for his release under the Probation of Offenders’ Act in case the Supreme Court didn’t reverse his conviction in the 1993 blasts case. In July 2007, the special court had convicted Dutt under the arms act for possessing a weapon illegally. Admitting his appeal against the order, the SC on November 27, 2007, released him on bail.

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Advocate Harish Salve and counsel Harishankar said the incident was the first and last in the actor;s life. “It has been 18 years and now he is involved in several charitable activities,” they told a bench headed by justice P Sathasivam.

Salve contended if Dutt’s confession under Tada was believed then the court should consider releasing him under the Probation of Offenders’ Act. “He took possession of a weapon under tremendous mental pressure. He had young sisters and his family was under threat. But he did not use it,” he said.