TADA court to hear Sanjay Dutt's appeal on Feb 20

Mumbai, Feb 18 (UNI) The designated TADA court here will hear arguments in the 1993 serial blast case by the defence counsel and public prosecutor on February 20 on an application filed by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt seeking relief under the Probation of Offenders Act.

The 48-year-old actor has been convicted by the TADA court under the Arms Act for possessing a nine mm pistol and a Ak-56 assault rifle. He faces a jail term of five to 10 years under the Arms Act for possession of weapons.

However, Dutt and his three friends -- Yusuf Nullwala, Kersi Adajenia and Rusi Mulla (all freed from TADA charges) -- have applied for probation.

Senior counsel V R Manohar will argue in the court on behalf of his client, while Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam will contend on behalf of the Maharashtra government. The prosecutor had earlier opposed Dutt's plea, saying that he was a habitual offender and in the past had procured firearms.

UNI