In a dramatic courtroom development, a Rajasthan High Court judge stepped aside from the blackbuck hunting case involving Salman Khan and co-accused stars on Monday. The recusal has deferred the hearing, with the case now headed to the Chief Justice for reallocation to another bench.
This appeal by the Rajasthan government challenges the 2018 trial court verdict that acquitted Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, Sonali Bendre, and Dushyant Singh. The lower court had found Salman guilty of poaching two blackbucks in 1998 near Jodhpur during a movie shoot, imposing a five-year sentence and fine, while exonerating the others.
The 1998 incident unfolded amid the production of ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain,’ where locals accused the cast of killing sacred blackbucks, an endangered species under Indian law. Salman’s conviction was stayed on appeal, fueling endless media frenzy.
Explaining his decision, the judge revealed prior discussions on connected issues, raising conflict concerns. This move aligns with judicial ethics to maintain neutrality in sensitive matters.
As the case bounces back to administrative oversight, it revives memories of courtroom battles that have defined celebrity justice in India. Prosecutors aim to hold all implicated parties accountable, arguing the trial overlooked key evidence against the co-accused.
Observers predict the reassigned bench could fast-track or prolong proceedings, depending on the docket. This twist keeps the spotlight on environmental crimes and star power’s influence on legal outcomes, reminding us that no case is ever truly buried until the gavel falls.