Salman dodges Jodhpur court appearance

Indian actor Salman Khan who was to appear in the Jodhpur District and Sessions Court on Friday in the 1998 Blackbuck poaching case, did not make an appearance.

Salman's lawyer Mahesh Bora appealed to the court explaining his busy schedule besides highlighting the recent threats issued on social media against the Bollywood star by SOPU group connected with gangster Lawrence Vishnoi as reasons for the failed appearance.

The court accepted Salman's plea and gave 19 December as the next date for hearing.

Another lawyer of the superstar, Hastimal Saraswat, also moved an application to allow him a breather from attending regular court hearings.

In the last hearing held on 4 July, when Salman Khan did not attend the hearing, the court gave a strong reprieve asking him to remain present during the 27 September hearing else face strict action.

The blackbuck hunting case dates back to 1998 during the shoot of "Hum Saath Saath Hain".