Supreme Court Grants Relief to Rhea Chakraborty, Bishnoi Community Protests Against Salman and Salim Khan Over Blackbuck Case
The Indian film industry remains a constant source of off-screen drama and heated public interest. Recently, two major developments in Bollywood have captured widespread attention: the Supreme Court’s decision favoring actress Rhea Chakraborty in the Sushant Singh Rajput case and an intense protest from the Bishnoi community against actor Salman Khan and his father, filmmaker Salim Khan, over remarks on the blackbuck poaching case.
In this in-depth report, we explore the significance of these high-profile developments, the details of the ongoing Salman Khan controversy, and why the Bishnoi community has reignited their protest. Here’s everything you need to know about these Bollywood controversies.
Supreme Court Grants Relief to Rhea Chakraborty in Sushant Singh Rajput Case
The Supreme Court of India has upheld a decision by the Bombay High Court that favors actress Rhea Chakraborty and her family in the high-profile Sushant Singh Rajput case. Rhea, who faced intense scrutiny and legal battles following Rajput’s death in June 2020, received relief as the Supreme Court dismissed petitions from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Maharashtra government, and Bureau of Immigration regarding a lookout circular (LOC) issued against her.
Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan ruled that the petitions were unwarranted and filed solely due to the “high-profile” nature of one of the accused individuals. This decision provides a sense of closure for Rhea and her family, who have endured intense public and media scrutiny since Rajput’s tragic passing.
Background of the Sushant Singh Rajput Case and Rhea Chakraborty’s Involvement

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment in June 2020, sparking widespread media attention and a legal investigation that implicated several people, including his then-girlfriend, actress Rhea Chakraborty. Following his death, Rhea faced allegations of abetment to suicide, drug procurement, and money laundering, drawing investigations from the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). These developments put Rhea and her family in the midst of a media storm and public backlash.
The recent Supreme Court judgment has provided much-needed relief for Rhea, especially following a lengthy period of media coverage and intense speculation. The verdict may offer her a chance to rebuild her career, giving her an opportunity to distance herself from the allegations and restore her reputation.
Implications of the Supreme Court’s Decision on Rhea Chakraborty’s Career
With the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the CBI’s LOC, Rhea Chakraborty can finally begin to move forward without the immediate burden of legal issues. Bollywood celebrities and her supporters have welcomed the judgment, calling it a step toward justice. With the possibility of new career opportunities, this decision could allow Rhea to make a comeback in Bollywood.
Bishnoi Community’s Protest: Salman Khan and Salim Khan’s Effigies Burned Over Blackbuck Poaching Remarks
Simultaneously, the Bishnoi community, a group deeply committed to wildlife conservation, staged a public protest against Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and his father, Salim Khan, burning their effigies to express their disapproval. The protest followed remarks by Salim Khan, who recently defended his son by stating that Salman was “innocent” in the blackbuck poaching case.
Why the Bishnoi Community is Protesting Against Salman Khan and Salim Khan
The Bishnoi community is known for their strong cultural and spiritual ties to wildlife preservation, particularly their reverence for blackbucks, an endangered antelope species. Salman Khan’s blackbuck case dates back to 1998, when he was accused of hunting two blackbucks while filming the movie Hum Saath-Saath Hain in Rajasthan. Although he was acquitted in 2016, Salim Khan’s recent comments reignited the community’s discontent, leading to renewed calls for Salman to apologize.
Protesters stated that, while the court has cleared Salman of criminal charges, they expect him to offer a public apology, respecting their cultural beliefs and acknowledging the gravity of the incident. The burning of effigies is a symbolic gesture, signaling their ongoing disappointment with the actor’s perceived lack of remorse over the poaching case.
Background of Salman Khan’s Blackbuck Poaching Case
The blackbuck poaching case, dating back to 1998, has been one of the most prolonged legal battles involving Bollywood celebrities. Salman Khan and his co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam Kothari were accused of hunting blackbucks in the Jodhpur district while filming. Salman initially faced a conviction in 2006 but was later acquitted by the Rajasthan High Court in 2016. Despite his acquittal, the case has had lasting implications on his public image and strained his relationship with communities dedicated to wildlife conservation.
The Bishnoi community continues to advocate for animal rights and conservation, maintaining that Salman’s actions disrespected their values and beliefs. In their protest, they reiterated that cultural respect for blackbucks is intrinsic to their identity, and they remain hopeful for an apology from the actor.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz Surrounding Rhea Chakraborty and Salman Khan
The Supreme Court verdict on Rhea Chakraborty’s case and the Bishnoi community’s protest against Salman Khan have sparked widespread social media conversations. Supporters of Rhea, including Bollywood personalities and fans, have celebrated the court’s ruling, describing it as a victory for justice and a rejection of media sensationalism. Discussions on social media have also shed light on the challenges faced by celebrities when subjected to a “trial by media.”
Conversely, Salman Khan’s ongoing controversies continue to divide public opinion. Supporters of the Bishnoi community argue that an apology from Salman would show respect toward their values, while fans of the actor believe he has already faced sufficient legal battles and should not be expected to revisit the issue. The Bishnoi protest, however, reminds the public of the cultural sensitivities tied to the blackbuck case.
What’s Next for Rhea Chakraborty and Salman Khan?
For Rhea Chakraborty, the Supreme Court’s decision offers a new beginning. Following years of legal challenges, this judgment could be a stepping stone for her return to Bollywood, providing an opportunity to revive her career and rebuild her public image.
Salman Khan, on the other hand, continues to face the Bishnoi community’s scrutiny. The protest over Salim Khan’s remarks has shown that the blackbuck case remains unresolved in the eyes of the community. Whether Salman will address their concerns and consider issuing an apology remains uncertain. However, it is clear that the Bishnoi community’s cultural values and dedication to conservation continue to hold significant influence, especially in matters tied to wildlife protection.
The recent developments in Rhea Chakraborty’s legal battles and the Bishnoi community’s protest over Salman Khan’s blackbuck poaching case reflect the complexities of Bollywood’s relationship with public opinion. The Supreme Court’s decision on Rhea Chakraborty’s case is celebrated as a milestone for fairness, while the Bishnoi community’s protest illustrates the cultural sensitivity and commitment to animal conservation that continues to impact Salman Khan’s image.
These high-profile cases highlight Bollywood’s unique challenges, where fame intersects with public expectations, social values, and legal battles. The unfolding of these events underscores the profound influence of India’s communities and their values on the actions of Bollywood’s biggest stars.