"While turning down the plea for pardon, the Governor followed the advice of Home Department which had recommended him that the plea for pardon be turned down as Dutt had been convicted by the highest (Supreme) court. It was felt that granting him pardon would set a bad precedent", an official said.
Katju, in his petition, had argued that Dutt was "not a terrorist" and had "only erred".
After the imprisonment in May 2013, Dutt has spent nearly 30 months in prison already and is due to walk out as a free man in February 2016.
On March 12, 1993, a series of 13 explosions had rocked Mumbai resulting in 257 fatalities and injuries to 713 others. Dutt was convicted of possessing sophisticated firearm, part of the cache that was intended to be used during the terror assault, and attempting to destroy it.
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In October 2013, he was out on furlough for 14 days, which was extended by a fortnight. In January 2014, a 30-day parole was extended by another 30 days. In December 2014, he was granted a 14-day furlough. Since August 27, 2015, he is again out on furlough.
In his petition, Katju had said, "The only charge on which Sanjay Dutt has been found guilty is the charge of having in his possession a prohibited weapon".