Date:28/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/28/stories/2007082862031300.htm

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Sanjay Dutt directed to appear on September 27

Staff Reporter

He may get a copy of judgment on that day: judge

Sanjay Dutt

MUMBAI: Actor Sanjay Dutt on Monday attended the designated TADA court here and was directed to appear on September 27. Special judge P.D. Kode said Dutt might get a copy of the judgment on that day. The court said convicts would start getting their copies from September 14 onwards.

Dutt and five others were granted bail by the Supreme Court on August 20 on the ground that they had not been given a copy of the judgment. Only after they receive a complete copy of the judgment, the convicts could go on appeal. Dutt was released on August 23 from the Yerawada jail after completion of formalities and has been directed to surrender as soon as the copy is handed over. He can apply for a regular bail after going on appeal against the TADA court decision.

On July 31 Dutt was sentenced to six years rigorous imprisonment under the Arms Act for possessing and trying to destroy an AK 56 in January 1993. He was not held guilty under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act and was absolved of terrorism charges.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Divakar Raote has written to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh demanding expulsion of Congress’ Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Baba Siddiqui for openly sympathising with Dutt.

In a press note, he said Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil took action against constables who shook hands with Dutt outside the Yerawada jail.