While most youngsters and film stars feel that the the punishment to Dutt is too severe, the legal fraternity is of the opinion that the verdict reflects the seriousness of the charges.
According to criminal lawyer C V Nagesh, six years is the shortest term given in such cases. “Anyone who knows his law expected Sanjay Dutt to be convicted. The person who supplied the arms got convicted. therefore the person who received and possessed the arms was also expected to get convicted. One can’t possess arms innocently.”
Says Shankar Reddy, Adjunct Professor of National Law School of India University: Punishment shouldn’t depend upon the status of a person. If the verdict is too lenient it leaves a negative impact on the general public.”
Actor-director Ramesh Aravind: “He is a nice man, who is going through bad days.
But if he has done anything wrong, he should face the consequences. Whether he is a celebrity or a common man, in the eyes of the law all are equal.”
Jayamala, actress: “It’s really sad but the law is above everyone. We have to accept the reality that he will be off the screen for a few years.”
Nineteen-year-old Trupti, II year BE student of NITTE: “His personal life has nothing to do with the sentence. He might be a super star but, every one is equal before the law.”
But eighteen-year-old Supriya, II PUC student of Baldwin Women’s Methodist college is not happy.
Harsha, a 22-year-old, LLB student: “I’m shocked.” Rajesh, a technical support expert at Dell, finds some consolation in the fact that the RI is only for six years.