Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; February 26, 2014)

Even as the Centre has sought a report from the Maharashtra government over repeated parole given to actor Sanjay Dutt — the matter is being studied by top cops and the local government — one knows for a fact that this is the incarcerated actor’s last parole for this year.

Keeping this eventuality in mind, one wondered about the fate of PK and Ungli, his two unreleased movies. A few days ago, Aamir Khan had said that Dutt’s work in PK was incomplete and hence, the movie’s release was pushed to December. The Bollywood superstar, who shares screen space with Dutt, clearly stated that this was one of the reasons why his next release was pushed from June 6 to December 25.

However, what is truly baffling is that there is a serious disconnect between Aamir and director Rajkumar Hirani’s spokesperson’s versions. “We have finished shooting,” the spokesperson said. Ditto with Rensil D’silva, director, Ungli. Said Rensil, “Nothing from Sanjay’s side is pending. In fact, I finished his portions even before he went to jail. I’m ready for the May 23 release.”

Meanwhile, when asked to explain the parole privileges given to Dutt, Rakesh Maria, the Mumbai Police Commissioner, said, “I have asked my assistant commissioner to send me the file as I need to study the matter and then take a call on the case. Just give me a day or two.”

MRUNALINI DESHMUKH, Lawyer
The law of the land states that parole can be granted only under exceptional circumstances. What these circumstances are, the court can decide depending on the facts of the case. Having said that, the illness of a wife and her inability to look after kids cannot be an exceptional circumstance to extend the parole. Assuming humanitarian grounds such a parole can be considered once for the illness of a near and dear one, but asking for it every time means taking advantage of the situation. Public perception is that he is an actor and is using his clout to get parole. Assuming his wife’s illness is prolonged, he cannot stay home for so long. What about others who are facing similar charges?
– As told to Ismat Tahseen