Nihlani seeks pardon for Sanjay Dutt

Director-Producer Pahlaj Nihlani today sought pardon for Sanjay Dutt, who is facing jail following the Supreme Court's verdict in the Mumbai serial blasts case in 1993.
The 53-year-old actor will have to spend three-and-a-half years in jail after the apex court reduced to five years the six year jail term awarded to him by a designated TADA court in 2006.
"He and his family have already suffered a lot due to the mistake committed by him. Considering his good conduct and record after undergoing prison term earlier it would be apt if Sanjay Dutt gets pardon by the Maharashtra Governor," Nihlani told PTI here over phone.

Earlier, actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha hailed Press Council of India Chairman Justice Markandey Katju view on pardon for Dutt and sought relief for the actor considering his character and his responsibility as father of two small kids.
Through good films like "Munnabhai MBBS", Dutt had carved a kind position for himself in the heart of people of the country. He and his family hold special bond with masses due to good mooring of his family and father, Nihlani said.
The director-producer of noted films like "Haathkadi", "Aandhi - Toofan", "lzaam", "Gunahon Ka Faisla" and "Paap Ki Duniya", Nihlani said Dutt served an example for wards of big and influential people that law does not discriminate between people.

"He has already served punishement and displayed discipline in the jail... He deserves leniency now," he said.