Salman Khan’s sentencing hasn’t shown that the writ of the judiciary reigns supreme. A five-year stint in jail, 13 years after he mowed down innocent pavement dwellers with his vehicle under the influence of alcohol, while driving without a valid licence, has come too late. In the interim, no effort, however ludicrous, was spared by his lawyers and the Bollywood fraternity, to advocate his innocence.
But the court’s decision dispels the belief that the rich in India have unlimited immunity and can get away with anything. Khan is a public figure and has had his fair share of controversies. Despite the fact that he spearheads a charitable organisation, ironically called ‘Being Human’, he has often failed to show his humane face and the responsibility that is expected of a role model like him.
The philosophy is pretty simple: if you do the crime then you must do the time. Khan’s fate must also be subjected to closer scrutiny by members of the Mumbai film fraternity who have come out in support of their top box office star. Their reactions to the judge’s decision have been ridiculous to say the least. Their blind support for Khan is not doing him any favours.
