Assault Case: Saif Ali Khan skips hearing

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan did not appear in the court for the hearing of assault case. On February 22, 2012, Saif Ali Khan and his two friends Bilal Amrohi and Shakkel Ladak were arrested following a ruckus created at a restaurant inside Taj Hotel. Khan entered into a physical brawl with Iqbal Mir Sharma, an NRI businessman. Complaint were lodged and the three of them were arrested but later released on bail.

The Nawab had been ordered by the local metropolitan court to be present, as the as the first witness and complainant Iqbal Sharma was to depose against the actor. A local metropolitan magistrate court gave Saif the last chance to appear on Monday before the court has now asked to appear on June 18.

On March 19, the court had directed Khan to remain present on Monday as the first witness and complainant Iqbal Sharma was to depose against the actor. However, the defense sought an exemption for Mr. Khan citing contractual obligations. He said that Saif had to fly abroad for an ad shoot.

When Khan failed to appear before the court again, the prosecutor Wajid Sheikh objected to the application and sought issue of warrant against Saif. Magistrate Shankar Dabhade gave Khan the last chance to appear in the court. He said that an arrest warrant will be issued against the actor if he fails to appear in the next hearing, which is scheduled to take place on June 18.

The court has framed charges against them under Sections 325 (assault) and 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code.