MUMBAI: The Mumbai sessions court on June 24 had ruled out that the offence of ‘culpable homicide not amounting to murder’ charge against Salman Khan. In spite of the actor challenging the Magistrate’s order, it was rejected and the date for re-trial has been fixed for today. 

Dictating the order Sessions Court Judge, UB Hejib ruled that Salman would face the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 304 Part II of IPC) and will face trial for the same.

Under this, the actor if found guilty will face up to ten years in prison. Salman Khan was earlier tried by the Magistrate’s court under a lesser charge of causing death by negligence (Sec 304 A of IPC), which provides for a maximum term of two years.

Salman Khan’s counsel Ashok Mundargi had pleaded that the magistrate’s order was erroneous, bad in law and contrary to evidence on record, while Public Prosecutor Shankar Erande had said the magistrate’s decision was right.

It was after re-examining 17 witnesses that the Magistrate had asked for a re-trial and it needs to be seen that if the actor will be lucky to escape the wrath of the bars, or producers will face the music if Salman Khan heads to prison.

Salman Khan has his plates full with several movies and producers are banking on his success. From brother Sohail Khan’s ‘Mental’ (Jai Ho!), ‘Kick’ directed by Sajid Nadiadwala, ‘No Entry Mein Entry’ and the much-awaited film with director Sooraj Barjatya.

Verdict awaited.