Finally the verdict is out – Sanjay Dutt has been sentenced
to six years imprisonment in the 1993 Bombay Blast Case and immediately sent to
jail.  I think it’s a sad day for all of
us who had watched him grow from an impulsive, reckless young man to a
responsible, warm-hearted, generous man. 
There is no doubt that after the incident Sanju turned a new leaf and
atoned for his misdeed and the Indian public has forgiven him long time
back. 

But I guess justice looks at things differently – it was not
looking at the man Sanju has become now, but was passing judgment on a crime
which happened 14 years back.  And he did
commit a crime then and is being made to pay the price now.  As such, I think the sentencing has been just
and proper.  It is unfortunate that it
took so long to wind up the case (perhaps there was no other way, since it was
such a huge case, involving so many people) and the verdict came when Sanju has
become a completely changed man.  I just
can’t help feeling that if he had committed the crime at any other time, the
verdict would have been quite different.

The only ray of hope now for Sanju is the Supreme
Court.  I hope they will review his case
from a different angle (if that’s possible) and perhaps reduce his sentence or
even set him free! 

Anyway, I can only say to Sanju – “Be brave, Sanju!  Since you had caused no harm to anyone with
your mistake, surely the Almighty will look down on you with mercy.  Our prayers and good wishes are with you!”