By Hindustan Times
Pleading guilty, Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan today sought exemption from personal appearance in a Rajasthan court in a case associated with smoking in public at a stadium here during an IPL match and expressed willingness to pay fine. Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, was summoned by the court of extra Chief Judicial Magistrate on a complaint that he was seen smoking on April 8 during a match between his team and Rajasthan Royals.
Khan's counsel V R Bajva represented him within the ACJM court and pleaded guilty on his behalf.
He said the problem was a "petty affair" and moved an application seeking exemption from personal presence of his client within the case however the same was objected by the counsel of the petitioner.
After hearing both the sides, magistrate Shilpa Sameer posted the problem for June 21.Khan isn't required to stay present at the next hearing.
The court, after taking cognisance of the complaint, had on April 26 issued summon to Khan directing him to seem before it.
The complaint was filed by owner of an individual cricket academy.In his complaint, Anand Singh, who runs the Jaipur Cricket Academy, had sought action against Khan under section 5/11 of Rajasthan Prohibition of Smoking Act, 2000, which prohibits smoking at a public place.
Singh filed the complaint on April 9. He said that pictures of Khan puffing away were published in newspapers the following day.
