How Salman Khan managed to get interim bail within hours of conviction in hit-and-run case

Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was yesterday sentenced to 5 years in jail by a sessions court here in connection with the 13-year-old infamous 2002 hit-and-run case.

The actor was convicted by sessions court judge DW Deshpande for drunk driving and held him responsible for the death of one of the five victims who came under his SUV's wheels. Salman  granted two days interim bail by the Bombay High Court minutes before the court wrapped up all proceedings of the day.

Also read: Salman Khan granted 5 year jail term in 2002 hit-and-run case: As it happened

Though, the actor's family, close friends and millions of his fans heaved a sigh of relief as Salman – India's most bankable star – was granted interim bail by the Bombay High Court, it also came as a bitter surprise for many who felt that Khan should paid for his sins and be given same treatment as others.

Touted as one of the most reputed and expensive lawyers of India - Harish Salve - appeared before Justice Abhay Thipsay in the Bombay HC seeking bail for his high profile client – Salman Khan.

What is even more interesting is the fact that Salman’s legal team did not receive the copy of the sessions court order but argued his case at the high court with just the operative part of the order.

Also read: Salman Khan 2002 hit-and-run case: How it unfolded

At the HC, Salve - the senior Supreme Court counsel - cited medical reasons for seeking bail for the actor, while arguing that no one can be arrested on the basis of a summarised court order.

However, a legal expert later said that there has been no illegality in the entire procedure.

Experts believe that Salman may have pre-empted a verdict against him, and might have prepared for the next course of action. And hence it was easier for him to approach the Bombay HC for a bail plea.

However, a few other advocates opine that a common man in a similar case wouldn’t have benefitted the way Salman Khan, a celebrity has.

At the moment, Salman is safe home surrounded by his close family members, but must be guessing about his uncertain fate as the Bombay High Court is due to take up his bail application on Friday.