The Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court is set to conduct a crucial hearing on Monday, February 16, 2026, regarding the high-profile Kankani blackbuck poaching case. This legal battle, spanning nearly 28 years, enters a significant phase as the court reviews multiple appeals. The proceedings involve Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who is challenging his conviction, and several other film stars whose previous acquittals are being contested by the state government. The court's decision today is expected to influence the future course of this long-standing judicial matter.
The 2018 Trial Court Verdict and Sentencing
On April 5, 2018, a trial court in Jodhpur delivered a landmark judgment in the poaching case. The court found Salman Khan guilty under Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act and sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment. A fine of ₹10000 was also imposed on the actor. However, the same judgment acquitted co-accused Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and local resident Dushyant Singh, granting them the 'benefit of doubt'. Following the conviction, Salman Khan filed an appeal in the District and Sessions Court, which was later transferred to the High Court for further adjudication.
State Government's Challenge Against Acquittals
The Rajasthan state government has formally challenged the trial court's decision to acquit the other actors involved in the case. According to legal officials, the state filed a 'Leave to Appeal' in the High Court against Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu, and Sonali Bendre. The prosecution maintains that there is sufficient evidence to suggest their involvement in the incident. The High Court will now deliberate on whether the state's petition holds enough merit to reopen the proceedings against the acquitted individuals.
Consolidation of Legal Appeals
In a move to streamline the judicial process, Salman Khan's legal counsel, Hastimal Saraswat, had previously moved an application to consolidate all related appeals. This includes the poaching case and the Arms Act case registered at the Luni police station on October 15, 1998. The defense requested that all appeals related to these incidents be heard together to ensure a comprehensive review of the facts. The court accepted this application and transferred the cases to the High Court on March 21, 2022, where they're now being heard by a division bench.
Chronology of the 1998 Incident
The origins of this case date back to 1998 during the filming of the movie 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in the rural outskirts of Jodhpur. According to police reports, two blackbucks were allegedly hunted on the intervening night of October 1-2, 1998, in the Kankani village area. The incident was reported by members of the local Bishnoi community, who are known for their protection of wildlife. Consequently, four separate cases were registered against Salman Khan, including three for poaching and one under the Arms Act for the alleged use of illegal weapons.