Why Pardon for Sanjay Dutt?

Editor’s Desk: It does not matter whether he is one of the leading celebrities in India hails from a family that carries the values of nationalism, patriotism and social service. He was caught red-handed with an AK-56 rifle, grenades and a 9mm pistol during the 1993 Mumbai riots, which left 257 dead and over 700 injured. Yes, Sanjay Dutt deserves no mercy!

What on earth makes us believe that Sanjay Dutt was “innocent”? A person addicted to drugs and having contacts with criminals, cannot absolve himself of the responsibilities he carries on his shoulder. He should consider himself fortunate to be acquitted in terror charges. But, certainly, he needs undergo the punishment meted out to him.

It’s true that he has already spent 18 months in jail. But, this is not enough. He needs to complete his five-year term so that it sends the right message to everyone in India – “you can escape law even if you are powerful and popular”.

Justice Markandey Katju, Chairman Press Council of India and Congress leaders like Digvijaya Singh, who bats for Sanjay Dutt, must meet the victims of Mumbai blasts first to get their reactions. If those bereaved family members condone Sanjay Dutt, then only they should advocate the actor’s cause.