Blackbuck poaching case live: Judge asks for case records before passing bail order

Bad news for Salman Khan

The bail order for Salman Khan has been reserved till tomorrow, he will have to spend another night in the Jodhpur Central jail. The case will be heard on Saturday at 10:30 am.

The bail hearing for Salman Khan has begun. Salman's lawyers are currently arguing why he should be allowed to let go. Thereafter the prosecution lawyers will be arguing why he should remain behind bars.

While sentencing Salman to five years in jail, Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri pointed out the fan following of the superstar, saying he is a "popular actor whose deeds are followed by people". "The accused is a popular actor whose deeds are followed by people. Despite this, the accused hunted two blackbucks," Khatri had said in his written judgment.

While his fans are upset over the verdict, animal rights groups welcomed the sentencing, asserting that the order proved that no one is above the law. "The verdict shows, whether you are Salman Khan or an ordinary citizen, the facts will be heard by a court and the law will prevail," PETA India spokesperson Sachin Bangera said. Though he has been given a jail term of 5 years, some activists claimed that the actor should have been given the maximum punishment of six years under the Wildlife Act.

Several fans have gathered outside his apartment to pray for his early release. Security has been tightened around his residence in view of the crowd gathering outside the building. Fans were also seen outside the Jodhpur court where the actor's bail hearing is expected to begin shortly. 

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, a host of industry friends dropped at the actor's residence to meet his family at the Galaxy Apartments in suburban Bandra. Arbaaz's ex-wife Malaika and her sister Amrita Arora, "Race 3" producer Ramesh Taurani, Sonakshi Sinha, along with her parents Shatrughan and Poonam Sinha, Sneha Ullal and Daisy Shah were seen visiting his residence.

Just before the hearing, Salman's counsel claimed that he received threatening messages. "Yesterday I got threatening SMSes and internet calls warning me not to appear for Salman Khan in bail hearing today," Salman's lawyer Mahesh Bora said.

Matter related to Salman Khan's bail is listed at number 24th in the Jodhpur court. While Salman's lawyers are working on an expeditionary strategy, there can be a delay in the hearing of his application as there are other cases listed before him. As per Zee News sources, his lawyers are planning to cite a possible threat to the actor's life to hasten the process.

Salman Khan has been brought to court from the Jodhpur Central jail where he was lodged last night. Along with Salman, his sisters Alvira and Arpita and brother Arbaaz and Sohail are also present.

Salman Khan's counsels will be arguing in court on the ground that the witness in the case is not reliable. The bail hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am.