The Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) on Thursday issued fresh summons against Bollywood actor Salman Khan after he failed to appear before it today for the second time to clarify his rape remarks.
The actor has been asked to appear before the body on July 14.
“Today, Salman was asked to come for the hearing at 4:30 p.m. However, he didn’t appear, nor did his lawyer. But we received a letter from his side where he said that since he has been summoned by NCW (National Commission for Women) too, there should be no duplicity,” MSCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said.
“We have not accepted this (the letter). Earlier too, we had asked him to come, or be present with a lawyer. We have again called him, and have issued third summons for July 14, at 4:30 p.m.,” she added.
The MSCW had issued summons on June 29 asking the actor to appear before it today, which happens to be Eid, to explain his position over the rape analogy he had used while talking about the gruelling shooting schedule of his film “Sultan” in which he plays a wrestler.
Ms. Rahatkar said the Commission has not accepted the letter and are not happy with his response.
“We are not at all happy. We won’t accept it. We have concurrent power here. So the proceedings will go on in front of us,” she said.
On June 22, the MSCW had issued a notice asking Mr. Salman to be present before it on June 29.
On the future course of action if Mr. Salman fails to appear for the third time, she said, “According to the law, we will take action if he doesn’t come the third time... We can give three summons. I can’t comment right now what will happen if he still doesn’t appear.”
When the Commission summoned the actor for first time Mr. Salman sent a letter to the panel through his lawyer stating that the case was already being heard by the NCW and the matter cannot be heard simultaneously at two places.
After considering his response, the panel had expressed dissatisfaction over his argument and summoned him to appear before it on July 7.
