JOIN USIn a significant development in the drunken-driving and hit-and-run case involving Salman Khan, the Bombay High Court on Monday rejected the revised paper-book after the actor's defence pointed out that the charge-sheet has been included though it is not required.
“Prepare fresh set of paper books with copies to the concerned parties, following the manual of the Bombay High Court,” Justice A R Joshi said adjoining the matter till Friday and directed the registry to ensure that the Mumbai Sessions Court provides a proper paper book.
A paper-book is largely the compilation of evidence and documents and the judgment, while records and proceedings (R&P) comprises of the entire case papers to the minutest details.
On August 26, Justice Joshi has asked the paper book to be prepared again by removing the documents that had been added unnecessarily and adding what had been found missing.
However, when the revised paper book was received — it was found that it has not been prepared afresh but only a set of documents have been added.
Khan’s counsel Amit Desai said that the charge-sheet has been included when it is not required.
“The charges are to be listed but here the charge-sheet has been added...the manual clearly states that the charge-sheet, vakalatnama and bail orders need not be included.
Referring to the May 6 conviction order and five-year jail term awarded to the actor, he said: “I am facing conviction from a court which feels that the charge-sheet is an important document to be prepared in the paper-book, while the charge-sheet is the opinion of the investigation officer.”
Desai added: “The paper-book (in present form) is a prejudicial material, it is in conflict of law, it is in conflict of manual.” Desai wanted to know why his client was given “special treatment” and requested the judge to ensure that the department’s approach in all matters is same.