Sanjay Dutt released early for good behaviour in jail: Maharashtra govt

Shiv Kumar

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Tribune News Service

Mumbai, July 17

Actor Sanjay Dutt was given an early release from jail for his good behaviour and discipline while in jail, the Maharashtra Government has told the Bombay High Court in an affidavit filed on Monday.

Dutt was sentenced to five years in jail for possession of arms, which were a part of the consignment used in the 1993 Bombay blasts.

The affidavit was filed by Maharashtra’s Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni in response to an order by the court which is hearing a public interest litigation petition challenging the actor’s early release from prison.

The state government said Dutt “performed all work in accordance with prescribed standards and participated in physical training and educational programmes.”

Dutt was release from jail on February 25, 2016, eight months and 16 days short of his five-year jail term.

He had been granted regular paroles from jail prior to his release.

The PIL has been filed by one Pradeep Bhalekar who claims to head an organisation called the Samajik Karyakarta Saurakhan Samiti.

The petition said Dutt was given special treatment in jail and was given regular paroles.

By the standards extended to the actor, 27,740 inmates would be eligible for an early release from prison, the petitioner said.

The affidavit filed by the state government details the procedure adopted in the case of Dutt, state government officials said.