New Delhi:
Actor Sanjay Dutt spoke to the media today saying he will not appeal for a pardon against the Supreme Court sentence. Last week he was sentenced to 5 years in prison for the possession of illegal arms.
Here are some reactions:
Markandey Katju, Press Council of India chairman: I am going to apply for pardon to the President and to the Governor (of Maharashtra). I think Sanjay Dutt and Zaibunnissa both deserve pardon. I have not talked to Sanjay Dutt, I have not contacted him, and he has not approached me. In my first appeal which I issued for pardon, I did it without contacting him.
Majid Memon, Eminent criminal lawyer: Sanjay Dutt did not want the society to get divided into pro-and-anti Sanjay Dutt. He has to ultimately abide by the Supreme Court. Justice Markandey Katju and me have had a word with each other , and have decided that we will try our best to get him a pardon , no matter whether he demands it or not.
Amar Singh, Former Samajwadi Party leader: He has been suffering every day from the last 20 years. Sanjay Dutt is a Gandhian. He has evolved and his background is clean. He is in a vulnerable condition now.
Balbir Punj, BJP leader: In Sanjay Dutt's case the law must be allowed to take its own course. The law has been soft to him. He must abide by the decision of the court.
Rahul and TP Agarwal, Producers of his film Policegiri: Sanjay Dutt is a socially responsible citizen. The whole unit today has worn white bands in support of him.