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Today Sanjay Dutt got 6 years RI in Jail for his alleged involvement in 1992 Mumbai Blast.He was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for six years for illegal possession of weapons that were given to him by associates of gangster Dawood Ibrahim ahead of the 1993 serial blasts here. Dutt was convicted for the illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and an AK-56 rifle.

Dutt, was visibly shocked as the judge gave the reasoning for his decision not to grant him relief under the POA act.

What is POA Act anyway: Under the Probation of Offenders Act. 1958 (Act 20 of 1958), provision is made for new methods of treatment for those offenders who are likely to make good, if given a chance of constructive help. Under these new methods of treatment, alternatives to imprisonment are given, because experience shows that commitment to prison does more harm than good to certain type of offenders. The purpose of the Act is not punishment but reform by means of constructive treatment.

Read more here : court.mah.nic.in/courtweb/criminal/pdf/chapter11.pdf

The six-year term includes the 16 months Dutt spent in jail.

During arguments over Dutt’s application under the probation of offenders act, his lawyers sought to prove his good character and, with affidavits filed by four prominent personalities. They also tried to prove that he had obtained the weapons for the safety of his family, which he felt was under threat due to the communal riots.

However, the court were of the view that :

“Dutt had not merely committed a criminal act but also told three others to commit criminal acts on his behalf.”

“affidavits filed by public personalities like actor Dilip Kumar in support of Dutt, Judge Kode said these are of no use if there exists material which says that the actor has indulged in a criminal act.”

“it was an “eminently dangerous act” as the weapon possessed by Dutt was capable of mass destruction though the accused had not used the weapons”

the defence’s argument that the weapons were acquired by Dutt for self-defence, cannot be called “noble”, and is contrary to the law and indicates scant respect for the law.

In my opinion this sentence is unduly harsh. Keeping in view of a very good public image of Sanjay Dutt, this was a fit case for relief under the Probationers Act, as Sanjay had confessed to possessing illegal weapons and had no links with terrorists. Merely attending a party in Dubai hosted by Dawood cannot be a proof of his involvement with terrorists. Yet Judge thought otherwise. IMO Sanjay must appeal and in all likelihood he’ll get relief from the Supreme Court.

However, if that not happens, I’ll miss him terribly. Sanjay has carved a niche for himself in the hearts of millions of Indians after his wonderful role as Munna Bhai in “Munnabhai MBBS’ and ‘Lage Raho..’ I was eagerly waiting for the third movie of this Munnabhai series. However, given the new developments, I feared if it’ll happen at all.

The whole incident has lessons for all of us. Don’t mess with Law. Don’t take the Indian Legal system for granted and never ever have friendly relations with underworld. You can never know their intentions and because of them you may fall in a deep trap which may ruin your life forever.

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