- Rajasthan High Court to hear Salman Khan’s appeal on September 22, 2025.
- The case dates back to a 1998 poaching incident involving endangered blackbucks.
- Appeals of acquitted co-accused actors will also be reviewed simultaneously.
In a significant legal development, the Rajasthan High Court has scheduled September 22, 2025, to hear Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s appeal against his five-year prison sentence in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case.
Justice Manoj Kumar Garg will oversee the proceedings, which will also address the Rajasthan state government’s appeal against the acquittal of Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam.
Blackbuck Case Reignites: Salman Khan’s Appeal and State Challenge Set for Joint Hearing in 2025
The blackbuck, considered sacred by the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan, is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The community played a pivotal role in bringing the case to light and has consistently advocated for justice over the past 26 years. Their persistence has kept the issue alive in both the legal and public spheres.
Salman Khan’s legal team is expected to argue for dismissal of the jail sentence based on procedural lapses and lack of conclusive evidence. Conversely, the prosecution is likely to reinforce eyewitness testimonies and forensic findings that were central to the initial conviction. The state’s appeal adds complexity, potentially reopening questions about the roles of the other actors.
Public opinion remains divided. While some see Khan as a victim of prolonged legal delays and media scrutiny, others believe justice for endangered wildlife should be non-negotiable, regardless of celebrity status. The case is often cited as a benchmark in India’s slow-moving judicial system and its treatment of high-profile defendants.
As the hearing date approaches, heightened security and media coverage are expected, given the high stakes and star power involved. Legal experts suggest the joint hearing may either accelerate the resolution or extend the case further, depending on the court’s findings and legal strategies adopted by both parties.
The scheduled hearing on September 22, 2025, could mark a turning point in one of Bollywood’s most debated legal battles, potentially reshaping public perceptions of justice and accountability.
“Justice delayed is justice denied.” — William E. Gladstone
