LI Network
Published on: 21 August 2023 at 11:05 IST
The Supreme Court has dismissed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging a Bombay High Court order that quashed criminal proceedings against actor Salman Khan under Sections 504 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The SLP was filed by journalist Ashok Shyamlal Pandey, who alleged that he was insulted and abused by Salman Khan for attempting to take his photographs, despite obtaining prior consent from the actor’s bodyguard.
The actor and his bodyguard had approached the High Court against an order by the Metropolitan Magistrate in Andheri, Mumbai, which had issued summons against them for the alleged offences.
During the Supreme Court proceedings, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia presided over the matter. Justice Kaul questioned the consent obtained by the journalist and the nature of the situation, as he inquired how someone sitting as a pillion passenger could provide consent to take pictures of the actor while he was riding a bike.
Justice Kaul remarked on the possible motives behind such cases, suggesting that they might involve extra publicity due to the involvement of a celebrity personality. He further questioned the journalist’s right to obtain consent and take photographs in such a scenario.
The journalist’s complaint stated that while he was trying to take Salman Khan’s pictures, the actor allegedly snatched his phone and deleted the photographs.
The Bombay High Court, however, quashed the trial court’s order, noting procedural irregularities and emphasizing that the judicial process should not be used for unnecessary harassment, especially if the accused is a well-known celebrity.
The Supreme Court’s decision indicates that the core issue in this case was the act of attempting to take photographs, which led to a confrontation and subsequent legal proceedings.
Cause Title: Ashok Shyamlal Pandey v Salman Khan@Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan
