Salman Khan acquitted in 2002 hit -and- run case

According to reports, the actor, who was present in the court room, broke down after hearing the verdict.

In what seemed to be a major relief for Salman Khan, the Bombay High Court  observed that the Bollywood star could not be convicted on the basis of evidence that were produced in the 2002 hit-and-run case.

Amit Desai, Salman Khan's lawyer, said: "Professionally, it is a satisfactory moment for me. It was huge relief for the client. We are very glad with the outcome."

In May this year, the Bombay High Court had suspended  Salman Khan’s jail term in the hit-and-run case, pending appeal, giving him temporary reprieve.

The single-judge bench of justice Abhay Thipsay had suspended the five-year jail term by the sessions court after hearing arguments from both sides.

The punishment for the actor was pronounced for causing culpable homicide not amounting to murder  for killing a homeless man with his SUV after a night out drinking at an upmarket bar.

Writer Shobbhaa De reacted to the order given by the HC and tweeted: "Thank God for our courts!!! Justice first and last !Salman walks!"

Khan had allegedly fled the scene after his Toyota Land Cruiser rammed into a group of people sleeping on a pavement outside a bakery in suburban Bandra in 2002.

Several witnesses, including survivors of the crash, testified that Khan was driving the vehicle, but Salman claimed that  his driver was behind the wheel. The driver also corroborated his statement.

But the judge found Khan guilty of all charges, including driving while under the influence of alcohol and without a licence.