> Salman is going back to jail

New Delhi: A Sessions Court in Jodhpur on Friday upheld the five-year jail term for actor Salman Khan in the Chinkara poaching case, turning down the actor’s appeal against his sentencing last year.

The actor failed to appear for the hearing, saying he missed the flight to Jodhpur from Hyderabad where he is currently shooting.

However, Salman's sister Alvira Khan was present in court. The actor will now be arrested unless he surrenders before the court himself.

Inside the courtroom, the defence raised an objection that the court cannot pronounce the verdict if the accused is not present.

However, the judge cited provisions of CrPC under which it is allowed.

“The honorable court has turned down Salman Khan’s appeal and has upheld the earlier order. His co-accused Govardan Singh has been considered and he has been acquitted. Since the court did not direct Salman to be present in court, there was no need for him to be there. A revision can be filed and it’s his right to exercise all options available to him. Salman respects the court order,” said Salman’s lawyer Dipesh Mehta.

Importantly, the Jodhpur Sessions Court is not empowered to hear his bail plea so the actor will have to be in jail till his lawyers appeal in a higher court.

“Salman knew very well that his appeal would be turned down. Which is why he did not come to court. The judge said his presence or absence did not matter since it was judgement time. Now, Salman Khan will be arrested wherever he is or he could come and surrender himself,” said the lawyer of Bishnoi community Mahipal Bishnoi.

Bishnoi also thanked the media and locals for their support in the case and said the actor has no option but to surrender before the court.