The hearing in the much-discussed blackbuck poaching case of Rajasthan has been adjourned once again. The hearing was scheduled to take place in the Principal Seat of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur, but it could not proceed due to the timely non-submission of the record related to the appeal of film actor Salman Khan.
Blackbuck Poaching Case: The hearing related to the blackbuck poaching case has been postponed again, potentially increasing the difficulties for the prominent Bollywood stars involved. The hearing of this case was scheduled for Monday in the Principal Seat of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur, but it was adjourned because the record related to Salman Khan's appeal from the Sessions Court was not presented on time.
In this case, along with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, the names of Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, Neelam, and local resident Dushyant Singh prominently surfaced. In 2018, the trial court convicted Salman Khan and sentenced him to five years in prison, while the other co-accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence. Now, the Rajasthan government has filed an appeal in the High Court against this decision after seven years, which could increase the troubles for these film personalities once again.
What is the Blackbuck Poaching Case?
The blackbuck poaching case dates back to 1998, when Bollywood stars were accused of hunting two blackbucks near Kankani village in Jodhpur during the shooting of the film "Hum Saath Saath Hain." At that time, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam were present in Rajasthan for the film's shooting. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, the blackbuck is a protected species, and its hunting is prohibited.
In this matter, the Rajasthan Police registered a case against all these artists, and after a lengthy hearing, in 2018, the trial court in Jodhpur convicted only Salman Khan, while the rest were acquitted giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Rajasthan Government's Appeal and Leave to Appeal Application
The Rajasthan government has now challenged the trial court's decision in the High Court. The government considers the acquittal of Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, Neelam, and Dushyant Singh to be inappropriate and has sought an investigation into their acquittal. However, since the statutory deadline for filing the appeal has already expired, the government has also filed a Leave to Appeal application, requesting a waiver of the delay. If the High Court deems this appeal worthy of hearing, a retrial against these stars could begin.
Salman Khan himself has challenged the five-year sentence he received from the Sessions Court in the High Court. He has filed an appeal challenging his sentence, which has been pending for years. Now, this case is also a part of the same hearing which is scheduled to be held on September 22, 2025.
What could be the Legal Consequences?
If the High Court accepts the Rajasthan government's Leave to Appeal, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu, Neelam, and Dushyant Singh may have to appear in court again. This will not only increase their legal troubles but could also affect their careers. It is noteworthy that this case is considered a precedent regarding wildlife conservation and the fairness of the law in India, and the role of high-profile celebrities in it keeps it in the headlines internationally as well.
The Principal Seat of the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur, will now hold the next hearing of this case on September 22, 2025. During this time, the court will determine whether the Rajasthan government's appeal should be accepted or not. A hearing on Salman Khan's appeal against his sentence is also possible.
