Mumbai/New Delhi, June 29: Bollywood actor Salman Khan Wednesday did not appear before the Maharashtra State Commission for Women to explain his “rape” remark, inviting the dispeasure of the panel which issued summons to him for his personal appearance July 7.
On the other hand, the superstar’s reply to the National Commission for Women’s notice to him over the same remark, failed to satisfy the panel, which said it found Salman “not apologetic”.
Citing double jeopardy, a procedural defence that forbids a defendant from being tried again on the same (or similar) charges in the same case, the actor had sent a letter to the MSCW through his lawyer that since the matter was being heard by the NCW, it cannot be taken up by the State Commission.
“The Commission and its members today went through the letter given by the actor and we found it unsatisfactory. The letter says that case is already being heard by NCW and hence it would amount to a case of double jeopardy. But we are of the view that our state commission has been conferred with concurrent powers and the case can be heard at both the places simultaneously,” MSCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar told reporters in Mumbai.
The Commission has now summoned the actor to appear before it July 7, she said.
The state panel sent him a notice asking him to appear before it Wednesday and explain his position on the matter.
When asked what steps the Commission would take if Khan failed to turn up again July 7, Rahatkar said, “That would be decided that day.” PTI
