The Sanjay Dutt case needs to be set in context for a better understanding. The Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992. Instantly, communal riots broke out and lasted for two full months in Mumbai. Hindutva outfits like the Shiv Sena targeted the Muslims and killed them in large numbers. As residents of the metropolis, the Dutts were protecting as many Muslims as they could from the mob. Infuriated, the mob threatened Sunil Dutt that it would kidnap and rape his daughters. Left defenceless, the 33-year-old Sanjay Dutt acquired weapons for his family's defence and honour. In the apex court's own findings, the weapons were acquired for self-defence, and not for any terrorist activity. Dutt had nothing to do with the bomb blasts that occurred on March 12, 1993. A man cannot be punished for wanting to protect his family members in a vulnerable position. Dutt does not deserve to be locked up for what he did. The very same people who created the circumstances for Dutt to acquire the weapons have now come out in the open against the grant of pardon to him. For the possession of the weapons, he has already suffered an 18-month imprisonment. In case the review petition and curative petition provide no relief, a gubernatorial pardon can be "slapped" on him on humanitarian grounds.
G David Milton, Maruthancode
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