Amar Singh, Jaya Prada seek pardon for Sanjay Dutt

Former Samajwadi party leader Amar Singh and party MP Jaya Prada Tuesday called on Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan seeking pardon for actor Sanjay Dutt, who has been sentenced to five years in jail.

The Supreme Court March 21 upheld Dutt's conviction for illegal possession of arms in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast case.

In a representation to the governor, Jaya Prada said Dutt had been absolved of terrorism charges. She urged him to exercise his discretionary power to grant the actor relief citing his background, contribution to cinema and good conduct in the last 20 years.

Stating that many other eminent people including Press Council of India chairman Markandey Katju have sought pardon for Dutt, the representation said he hailed from a family that has served the nation.

A letter from Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, a Gandhian ashram from the state, was also attached with the representation.

It said the ashram appreciated the fact that through his cinematic art, Dutt has propagated the message of Mahatma Gandhi, which had a visible influence on the life of young generation.

Amar Singh and Jaya Prada earlier met Dutt, who was given four weeks' time by the court to surrender.