MUMBAI: Information and Broadcasting minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi expressed “shock and surprise” on the six year jail term that was awarded to actor Sanjay Dutt on 31 July, 2007 in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.  

Dasmunsi said that Dutt and his lawyers should make all possible efforts to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

In a statement, Dasmunsi opined that he believed in the Indian judiciary, “but in a civil society the time has come to gauge the parameters for an unintentional fault for which Sanjay Dutt has already suffered long enough in the first instance.”

The minister also remarked that Dutt’s personal conduct and behaviour was an example for the young generation.

The actor was sentenced to six years’ rigorous imprisonment under the Arms Act by the TADA court in Mumbai. Dutt was also fined Rs 25,000.

After the verdict yesterday, Dutt’s lawyers had said that they would appeal to the Supreme Court.

On the other hand, Dutt’s family comprising his two sisters Priya and Namrata along with their husbands Owen Roncon and Kumar Gourav respectively issued a joint statement soon after the verdict.

“The family is truly disturbed at the outcome of today’s proceedings, but although disappointed we accept it with saddened hearts. Sanjay has accepted the verdict, and has surrendered himself to the court. We will explore our legal options at this point, and proceed accordingly,” the statement said.

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