Blackbuck poaching case: Rajasthan govt challenges acquittal of Saif, Tabu and others in HC; hearing on July 28

IANS May 17, 2025 390 views

The Rajasthan government is intensifying efforts to overturn acquittals in the infamous 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving Bollywood stars like Saif Ali Khan and Tabu. Despite their previous acquittal due to lack of evidence, the state challenges this outcome, hoping for a different ruling in the High Court. This move also encompasses discussions around Salman's previous conviction and bail conditions, keeping the spotlight on all involved. The case highlights the ongoing legal entanglements of Bollywood celebrities with the justice system, with a crucial hearing set for July 28.

"The acquittal challenge will also address issues related to Salman's sentence." - Advocate Mahipal Vishnoi
Blackbuck poaching case: Rajasthan govt challenges acquittal of Saif, Tabu and others in HC; hearing on July 28
Jaipur, May 17: The legal troubles of Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre have resurfaced in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, as the Rajasthan government has approached the High Court, challenging their acquittal.

Key Points

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Bollywood actors face renewed legal challenge in poaching case

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Rajasthan government contests acquittals in High Court

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Next hearing set for July 28

The leave-to-appeal petition was heard on Friday in the court of Justice Manoj Kumar Garg, who directed the matter to be listed along with related pending cases.

The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 28.

According to government counsel Advocate Mahipal Vishnoi, the alleged poaching took place on October 1, 1998, in Kankani village near Jodhpur, during the shooting of the Bollywood film 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain'.

On April 5, 2018, the trial court convicted actor Salman Khan and sentenced him to five years in jail.

However, co-accused Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, Sonali Bendre, and Dushyant Singh were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The state government's appeal challenges these acquittals and will also include issues related to transfer petition permissions and the sentence awarded to Salman Khan.

The Kankani Village case was reported in the year 1998 after which Salman Khan was convicted on April 5, 2018, and sent to Jodhpur Central Jail.

He was granted conditional bail on April 7, 2018, after depositing Rs 50,000. He remains out on bail, and the case is currently pending in the High Court.

Salman was sentenced to five years by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court on April 10, 2006. He appealed to the High Court, which acquitted him on July 25, 2016.

The state government challenged this in the Supreme Court, where the matter remains pending.

On February 17, 2006, Salman was sentenced to one year jail by the CJM Court in another case. He was later acquitted by the High Court.

The state government again appealed in the Supreme Court, and the hearing is still pending.

Salman was also accused in Arms Act Case. Later, he was acquitted on January 18, 2017, in connection with illegal possession of arms during the poaching incidents.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Justice delayed is justice denied. This case has been dragging on for 24 years! Whether guilty or innocent, such prolonged legal battles only show how inefficient our system is. Blackbucks are endangered and need protection, but is this the way? 🤔
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Priya M.
Why is the government spending so much time and resources on this old case? There are more pressing wildlife crimes happening right now that need attention. Our forest officials are understaffed and need better support to prevent current poaching activities.
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Amit S.
The law should be equal for everyone - celebrity or common man. If there's genuine evidence against the others, they should face consequences. But if not, stop harassing them. Our judiciary needs to be more decisive in such high-profile cases.
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Sunita R.
As someone from Rajasthan, I'm glad the government is pursuing this. Blackbucks are sacred to our Bishnoi community and an important part of our ecosystem. Celebrities should set better examples! 🦌 #SaveBlackbucks
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Vikram J.
This case shows how our legal system treats rich and poor differently. A common villager would have been punished long back. But celebrities get bail after bail, appeals after appeals. Kya yeh insaaf hai?
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Neha P.
The real issue is wildlife conservation, not celebrity gossip. Instead of focusing only on punishment, we need better awareness programs. Many Bollywood films still show hunting scenes casually - that needs to change too!

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Tags:
Blackbuck poaching case Saif Ali Khan Tabu Rajasthan High Court Bollywood