Salman Khan Controversies: A Timeline of Legal and Public Disputes

Introduction
Salman Khan is one of Bollywood's most successful actors.His career spans over three decades. He is known for action films and charitable work. He is also known for a series of legal cases and public controversies. These issues have followed him for years. They often resurface in news headlines. This is a timeline of the major controversies involving the actor.

The 1998 Blackbuck Poaching Case
This is one of the longest-running legal cases against Khan.It dates back to October 1998. Salman Khan was in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He was filming for the movie Hum Saath-Saath Hain. He was accused of hunting two blackbucks. The blackbuck is an endangered animal protected under Indian law.

Other actors from the film were also charged. They included Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam. They were accused of accompanying him. The case went through many hearings over 20 years. In 2018, a Jodhpur court found Salman Khan guilty. He was sentenced to five years in prison. The other actors were acquitted.

Khan's lawyers appealed the verdict. He was granted bail shortly after the sentencing. The appeal process is still ongoing. The case is currently in a higher court. It is cited often when discussing wildlife protection laws and celebrity accountability.

The 2002 Hit-and-Run Case
This case became one of the most discussed events in Bollywood.In September 2002, Salman Khan was driving his Toyota Land Cruiser in Mumbai. The vehicle ran over five people sleeping on a sidewalk. One person, Nurullah Sharif, died. Four others were injured.

The legal proceedings lasted for 13 years. The prosecution argued Khan was driving under the influence of alcohol. They said he fled the scene. The defense argued his driver was behind the wheel. In 2015, a sessions court found him guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

In December 2015, the Bombay High Court suspended the sentence. The court acquitted him of all major charges. The judge cited lack of evidence. The court accepted the defense's argument about the driver. The acquittal was met with mixed public reaction. Many saw it as a failure of the legal system. Supporters of the actor said justice was served.

The 1998 Chinkara Poaching Cases
During the same 1998 Rajasthan trip,Khan faced two separate poaching cases. He was accused of hunting two chinkaras. The chinkara is another protected gazelle species. These were separate from the blackbuck case.

In 2006, a trial court convicted him in both chinkara cases. He was given prison sentences of one year and five years. He appealed both convictions. In 2016, the Rajasthan High Court acquitted him in both chinkara cases. The court said the evidence was not strong enough. The prosecution could not prove he was at the location.

Allegations of Domestic Violence
In 2017,former girlfriend Aishwarya Rai Bachchan spoke in an old interview. The interview from 2002 resurfaced. In it, she discussed her relationship with Khan. She did not name him directly. She spoke about emotional and physical abuse. She said she ended the relationship because of it.

The interview sparked widespread discussion. It brought the topic of domestic violence into Bollywood conversations. Khan has never publicly addressed these specific allegations in detail. The incident is often referenced in discussions about misogyny in the film industry.

Public Statements and Backlash
Khan has faced criticism for statements in interviews.In 2016, he described his training for a film role. He compared it to feeling like a "raped woman." The comment caused immediate outrage. Many called it insensitive and disrespectful.

He issued an apology. He said he did not mean to hurt anyone. He said the comment was a mistake. The incident led to complaints being filed against him. The National Commission for Women demanded an explanation. The event is often cited in debates about celebrity responsibility.

The Impact on His Career
Despite these controversies,Salman Khan's career has remained strong. His box office numbers are consistently high. His fan base is large and loyal. Some analysts call this the "Salman Khan paradox." His legal troubles have not significantly hurt his marketability.

He hosts the popular TV show Bigg Boss. He runs the charity Being Human. The foundation funds healthcare and education. Supporters point to his philanthropic work. Critics argue his stardom has influenced legal outcomes. This debate continues in Indian media.

Why the Controversies Resurface
The cases resurface for several reasons.Legal appeals keep them in the court calendar. News outlets revisit them during slow news periods. Social media users bring them up during new film releases. They are also discussed in relation to broader topics. These topics include privilege, legal accountability, and celebrity culture.

Each new hearing or anniversary of an event prompts fresh news articles. The controversies have become a permanent part of his public biography. They are mentioned in most major profiles written about him.

Conclusion
Salman Khan's career exists alongside a long list of legal and public disputes.The blackbuck case remains active. The hit-and-run case is closed after his acquittal. The poaching cases have ended in acquittals. Allegations from his personal life continue to be discussed.

The timeline shows a pattern of serious accusations and lengthy court battles. It also shows the resilience of his stardom. The discussion around him often focuses on this contrast. It asks questions about fame, justice, and public memory. These controversies are likely to remain a part of his story for the foreseeable future.