In a significant development regarding the long-running blackbuck poaching case involving Bollywood actor Salman Khan, the Rajasthan High Court is set to hear the actor’s appeal against his five-year jail sentence on September 22, 2025. This hearing will also address the state government’s appeal against the acquittal of the co-accused, including actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam.
Appeal and Transfer Petition
Justice Manoj Kumar Garg of the Rajasthan High Court will preside over both Salman Khan’s appeal and the state’s plea against the acquittals. The two appeals, which have been pending for a long time, will now be heard together. Prosecution counsel Mahipal Bishnoi confirmed that Salman’s legal team had filed a transfer petition to ensure that the appeals against his sentence and the acquittals of the other actors were addressed in a single hearing.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to September 1998 when Salman Khan was accused of hunting blackbucks, specifically Chinkaras, in Bawad, Mathania, near Jodhpur during the shooting of the film Hum Saath Saath Hain. The complaint was filed by members of the Bishnoi community, who regard blackbucks as the reincarnation of their spiritual leader, Bhagwan Jambeshwar (Jambaji). Salman Khan was arrested in 1998 but later granted bail. In 2016, the Rajasthan High Court acquitted Khan, citing a lack of evidence. However, the Rajasthan government filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, challenging the acquittal.
Salman Khan’s Reaction to the Case
In 2023, Salman Khan publicly reacted to the ongoing legal battle for the first time during an interview on India TV’s Aap Ki Adalat. The actor expressed his full faith in the Indian judiciary, stating, “Our judiciary is very capable. It will decide. Our judges will decide. Whatever the decision will be, we will accept it.” Salman’s calm and composed approach towards the case reflected his belief in the judicial process.
Looking Ahead
As the Rajasthan High Court prepares to hear the appeal on September 22, 2025, all eyes will be on the outcome of this highly anticipated legal proceeding, which has been a major point of contention for nearly three decades.
