The Rajasthan Government has filed an appeal in the High Court against the acquittal of Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam in the 1998 Blackbuck Poaching Case. The decision to challenge the earlier acquittal by the trial court shows that the State is not satisfied with the outcome delivered in 2018.
“List the matter on 28.07.2025 along with the criminal appeal filed by the accused – Salman Khan.”
— Justice Manoj Kumar Garg, Rajasthan High Court
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Justice Manoj Kumar Garg heard the matter on May 16, 2025, and directed the case to be listed for the next hearing on July 28, 2025. This hearing will be taken up along with the pending criminal appeal filed separately by actor Salman Khan.
The case dates back to October 1998, when the actors were shooting for the Hindi film Hum Saath Saath Hain near Jodhpur. During the shoot, two blackbucks—an endangered species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act—were allegedly hunted in Bhagoda ki Dhani in Mathania village.
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In 2018, the Jodhpur Sessions Court found Salman Khan guilty of killing the blackbucks and sentenced him accordingly. However, his co-actors—Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam—were acquitted due to lack of strong evidence against them. Salman Khan has already challenged his conviction through a separate appeal that remains under consideration.
“The blackbuck is a protected species. The Bishnoi community, which believes strongly in protecting wildlife, had filed the original complaint.”
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The Bishnoi community, known for its dedication to nature conservation, played a crucial role in pursuing legal action in this matter. Their commitment to protecting wildlife has kept the case alive for more than two decades.
The ongoing legal process and the appeal by the State signal that the case continues to hold importance, both legally and socially. The combined hearing of the appeals of the State and Salman Khan may now bring more clarity and direction to this long-standing legal issue.
Quote from the court order dated May 16, 2025:
“List the matter on 28.07.2025 along with the criminal appeal filed by the accused – Salman Khan.”
— Justice Manoj Kumar Garg
The next date of hearing—July 28, 2025—will now be significant in deciding whether the acquittals will be upheld or reversed, and whether Salman Khan’s conviction will be maintained or set aside.
Case Title: State v Saif Ali
