The Salman Khan verdict, scheduled to be pronounced on Wednesday , will bring the curtains down on a case that has riveted the nation's attention for 13 years. Sessions judge D W Deshpande, who has been conducting the fresh trial that commenced in April last year, will deliver the judgment at 11.15am with the Bollywood superstar standing in the dock and a posse of policemen guarding the court premises to keep the expected crowds at bay.

The actor is accused of ramming his Landcruiser into the American Express Bakery on Bandra's Hill Road in the early hours of September 28, 2002. One person sleeping on the footpath was killed, while four persons were seri ously injured.

Khan, who has Rs 200 crore riding on his next two films, arrived in the city on Tuesday evening from Srinagar, where he was shooting for his home production Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The film is due for a July 17 Eid release, while the second, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, will hit theatres in Diwali.

Khan has been on bail since his release on October 25, 2002. The best outcome for him would be if the court holds that he wasn't at the wheel at the time of the mishap and acquits him of all charges. The worst scenario for him is if he is found guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under section 304-II of the IPC for an act committed with knowledge that it could result in someone's death. The crime attracts a maximum imprisonment of ten years. Khan can also be convicted only of rash driving, which attracts a two-year jail term. However, under law, the sentence can be suspended the same day and the convict given bail immediately. The question about whether jail is imminent and immediate thus depends on the conviction and the sentence.

The hit-and-run case involving actor Salman Khan has seen several twists and turns, the most sensational being sole defence witness Ashok Singh, Khan's driver for over two decades, claim on March 30 that he was behind the wheel at the time of the incident.

Special public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat dubbed Singh a “self-condemned liar“ and said he was liable for perjury. Khan was tried for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, a charge added to the case after key prosecution witness Ravindra Patil--a constable assigned to guard him--told police the actor was driving the vehicle drunk. Patil died in 2007, but his examination before the magistrate was included in the present trial. During final arguments, defence advocate Shrikant Shivade opposed the inclusion. Another key prosecution witness was Dattaray Bhalshankar, the chemical analyst who told the court Khan's blood sample tested positive for 62mg of alcohol. In his cross-examination, he could not recollect how he conducted the method to analyse the sample. Special public prosecutor Pradip Gharat said though the prosecution has to prove its case against accused beyond reasonable doubt: “in the absence of specific suggestions...the court has to balance and evaluate evidence and ignore minor inconsistencies in depositions“. A senior bureaucrat said if Khan is acquitted, instructions have been given to police to file an appeal. If he is convicted, defence lawyer Shivade and prosecutor Gharat will have to make submissions before the sentencing. The court can also hear the submissions on Wednesday.

Besides his two under-production films, Salman is committed to start 'Shuddhi' for Karan Johar, a film in which Sanjay Dutt plays the antagonist. Besides, he is committed to start films for producer Boney Kapoor, his brother Arbaaz Khan and brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri. “Should the verdict go against him, it will be a big blow to the Hindi film industry,“ a trade analyst said.

Cops to screen all visitors to court
Mumbai Police will frisk every visitor to the sessions court on Wednesday. A large number of cops, most of who were on duty outside Wankhede stadium for Tuesday's IPL match, will be posted around the court. People visiting the court have been advised to carry proper documentation as only those who have case dates will be allowed inside. “Some areas have been made no-parking zones,'' said Deven Bharti, joint commissioner of police (law and order). TNN