Home / Crime and Justice / Salman Khan Case: Judge Recuses, Hearing Delayed
Salman Khan Case: Judge Recuses, Hearing Delayed
17 Feb
Summary
- Judge Baljinder Singh Sandhu recused himself from hearing the case.
- The case involves Salman Khan's appeal and acquittal of co-accused.
- The allegations stem from the hunting of two blackbucks in 1998.
The decades-old blackbuck poaching case involving Bollywood actor Salman Khan experienced a significant delay on Monday. Justice Baljinder Singh Sandhu of the Rajasthan High Court recused himself from presiding over the case, prompting its redirection to a different judicial bench.
This judicial development impacts the joint hearing of Khan's appeal against his conviction and the state government's petition seeking leave to appeal the acquittal of co-accused. The co-accused include prominent actors Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu, and Neelam, along with a local resident.
The case dates back to 1998, when allegations arose that Khan hunted two blackbucks in Kankani village, Jodhpur district, during the filming of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain.' A trial court convicted Khan on April 5, 2018, sentencing him to five years imprisonment.
While Khan appealed his sentence in the sessions court, the state government pursued a 'leave to appeal' against the acquittals in the high court. In July 2025, the high court allowed the transfer of Khan's appeal and ordered it to be heard concurrently with the state's petition, consolidating the proceedings for a joint hearing.
