The additional chief judicial metropolitan magistrate had summoned Shah Rukh to seem before his court May 26 on a complaint that he publicly smoked on the Sawai Man Singh Stadium while watching the IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders April 8.
According to a Rajasthan law, an offender could face maximum imprisonment of six months or a maximum fine of Rs.200 for smoking in public.
Shah Rukh, who's co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team, was represented by three lawyers.
“Khan’s lawyers filed an application under section 206 and 253 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), pleading guilty to the fees under the Rajasthan Prevention of Smoking Act and seeking exemption for Khan’s personal appearance before the court,” said lawyer Nem Singh Rathore, who filed the complaint on behalf of Jaipur Cricket Academy director Anand Singh Rathore.
Shah Rukh’s lawyers said it was a petty offence and their client was able to pay the fine imposed under the law.
Nem Singh Rathore added that he objected to exempting Shah Rukh from personal appearance before the court. “The court will hear further arguments June 21,” he said.
“Smoking publicly is banned in Rajasthan since 2000 under the Rajasthan Prevention of Smoking Act. However, Shah Rukh Khan was smoking publicly in front of thousands of spectators. The actor was broadcast live while smoking at the TV channel which was showing the match,” he added.
The lawyer said that spectators were being allowed into the stadium only after frisking.
“Police were confiscating any objectionable items, including cigarettes, while frisking. However, it kind of feels Shah Rukh was allowed to hold the cigarette packet into the stadium that is negligence on a part of police also,” the complainant said.
The court has fixed June 21 for next hearing within the case. – IANS
