The sessions court on Wednesday granted immunity to actor Fardeen Khan in the 2001 drug case. However, the court clarified that if he was caught again committing a similar crime, the immunity would be withdrawn.
The court, presided by Judge Govind Sanap, said, “The court has heard the arguments made by the defence as well as the prosecution and accordingly it has been decided that Khan will not be prosecuted in the case. But as per the points placed by the prosecution, if he is found indulging in any crime under the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act, the immunity given will be withdrawn. The prosecution will then file fresh charges against Khan, who will also be prosecuted in the present case.”
The actor, who was caught purchasing 1 gram of cocaine in October 2001, had filed an application stating that as he was caught dealing with a small quantity of the drug and hence could get immunity, if he underwent a detox therapy from any government centre. Khan added that he had undergone this treatment from the government-approved KEM Hospital.
Khan, while addressing the media, said that he was happy to be granted immunity from the case. “I am extremely grateful to the judge for accepting my application. My family is relieved. Had my father (Feroze Khan) been alive, even he would have been very happy.” Khan was arrested in Juhu on May 5, 2001, for allegedly buying cocaine from a peddler. On October 6, 2011, the prosecution framed charges against the actor.