In the 2012 hotel dispute case, where actor Saif Ali Khan is the main accused, actress Malaika Arora recently appeared as a prosecution witness in a Mumbai court.
Entertainment: Bollywood actress Malaika Arora has received significant relief from a Mumbai court in the 2012 Saif Ali Khan hotel dispute case. After appearing in court, the bailable warrant issued against her was canceled. The case is related to Saif Ali Khan allegedly assaulting an NRI businessman, which occurred at a prominent five-star hotel in Mumbai.
What is the entire case?
The incident took place on February 22, 2012, when actor Saif Ali Khan, along with his wife Kareena Kapoor, sister Karisma Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, and other friends, went to a five-star hotel in Mumbai for dinner. During the dinner, NRI businessman Iqbal Mir Sharma, who was also present at the hotel, objected to the loud voices and noise made by Saif and his group.
According to the complaint, Saif Ali Khan lost his temper and punched Iqbal Mir Sharma, breaking his nose. Furthermore, Iqbal Sharma also alleged that Saif's friends had assaulted his father-in-law, Raman Patel. A case was registered against Saif Ali Khan under Section 325 (causing grievous hurt) of the IPC and other relevant sections.
Why was a warrant issued against Malaika Arora?
As part of the investigation and judicial process of this incident, Malaika Arora was required to appear in court as a prosecution witness. However, when she failed to appear to record her testimony in April 2024, Chief Judicial Magistrate (Esplanade Court) K.S. Jhanwar issued a bailable warrant against her.
However, on July 10, Malaika Arora appeared in court and filed a petition to cancel the warrant issued against her, which the court accepted.
Malaika removed from the witness list
According to a PTI report, during her appearance in court, the prosecution argued that Malaika Arora was no longer cooperating with their case, and therefore, she was removed from the witness list. This decision is seen as a step towards expediting the judicial process and maintaining fairness. The trial proceedings regarding the charges against Saif Ali Khan in this case are still ongoing in court. The court will decide whether the actor is guilty or not. If found guilty, he may face severe punishment under the law.
