Sanjay has been judged by all for 20 years: Priya Dutt

Sanjay Dutt's sister and Congress Member of Parliament Priya Dutt on Saturday issued an emotional statement in the wake of the Supreme Court upholding the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act Court's verdict against the actor in connection with the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

In the statement, Priya Dutt expressed her gratitude to those who had supported her brother through his “lowest moment”. She also stated that Sanjay had been judged for 20 years in “most harsh ways”.

She added that the Dutt family will explore every possible option available for the actor.

Here is the text of the press statement:

Dear members of the Media...

Firstly I thank you all. Your support has been of immense value to both me and my family.

It is in your lowest moment that we can truly know your friends. I would like to thank the entire film industry , prominent personalities and most of all  the people of India for their overwhelming gestures of love and support shown towards Sanjay and our family.

A 20 year ordeal has finally come to an end. 20 years is a lifetime for most people. In Sanjay's case this has been a lifetime of tension and anxiety, a lifetime of repentance and reform, a lifetime of punishment and trial.

For Sanjay, versions of verdicts have been passed on him throughout these years. He has been judged by all during these 20 years and sometimes in the most harsh ways. Yet he has stood strong and firm, normalised his life, served society, helped and stood by his colleagues, friends and family and is today one of the most dependable people in the film fraternity.

As a sister, as a family...we will always stand by him. That is what any loving family will do. It is only logical that as a family we will explore every option.

If the purpose of incarceration is reform and punishment for crime committed, then I believe he has undergone both. As a family, we accept the judgement of the Honorable Supreme Court, and we stand strong together in this trying time to give each other the strength and courage.

Sanjay has been strong and has accepted the decision of the Honourable court.

Thanking you
Priya Dutt