Session court fixes October three for order in ABA plea

Mumbai, Sep 28 (UNI) The session court will issue final order on October three in an anticipatory bail application moved by film producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali, apprehending arrest in a case filed against him by antique dealer Farida Hoosenally under the essential commodities act.

Additional sessions judge M L Thaliyai after hearing both sides fixed October three for the final order of the plea. He also directed the police not to arrest Bhansali till October three.

Counsel for antique dealer however argued that accused persons used huge quantity of gas cylinders of the domestic category to generate flames for the film 'Black' and their contention of two cracked cylinders found at the accident site used for making tea is not correct.

He further argued that custodial interrogation is very much required as they are hiding many facts which included the exact quantum of cylinders used. He said this illegal diversion and use of LPG gas cylinders is a cognisable offence.

However, counsel for Bhansali argued that there is no ground to take him into the custody as he is completely cooperating with the investigating authority and there is no recovery from him in this case. He also argued that the fire took place due to short circuit and nothing due to the two cylinders found in the debris.

He also informed the court that his client had already paid Rs twenty lakh to antique dealer and there is no grievances whose antique furniture gutted in the fire at the studio during February 2004.

Bhansali had approached session court on last Saturday with his ABA fearing arrest as he was summoned to the Borivli police station for questioning after the case was transferred from the Aarey police station following orders from the Metropolitan magistrate court.

UNI PVN MJ VA KN1528