Mumbai’s legal corridors buzzed once again as Bollywood actor Aditya Pancholi appeared before the Bombay High Court for the 28th hearing in a high-profile rape case lodged against him. The session, held on Tuesday, February 24, revisited the 2019 FIR filed at Versova police station, accusing Pancholi of sexually exploiting a female actor between 2004 and 2009.
Pancholi’s counsel reiterated the plea to quash the FIR, emphasizing the case’s protracted nature. The court has now scheduled the next hearing for March 4, keeping the suspense alive. Speaking to the media post-hearing, Pancholi expressed confidence that the case would be dismissed, though he refrained from delving into details, citing ongoing proceedings.
His lawyer, Prashant Patil, detailed how police issued 11 notices to the complainant, who has repeatedly failed to appear for statement recording. The bench took a firm stance, issuing fresh summons and mandating her presence at the next hearing. The complainant’s advocate sought time to consult their client.
This saga dates back to June 27, 2019, when the actress alleged Pancholi drugged her during her early career days, assaulted her, captured private photos, and used them for blackmail over years. Pancholi vehemently denies all charges, labeling the FIR as malicious and motivated by personal vendetta, given the 15-year delay in filing.
The defense argues the complaint lacks substance and urges the court to annul the FIR to prevent further injustice. As Bollywood watches closely, the March 4 date looms large, potentially marking a turning point in this enduring controversy.