After enjoying two months of freedom, actor Sanjay Dutt, sentenced to six years rigorous imprisonment by a special court in 1993 Mumbai blasts case, on Monday surrendered and was sent to Yerawada jail near Pune.

Sanjay, convicted on November 28, 2006 by a Terrorist and Disruptive Act (TADA) court for possession of AK-56 rifle and a pistol under Arms Act but acquitted under TADA Act, surrendered before the TADA court, after he was given the copy of the judgement.

A sombre Dutt stepped into his car on Monday morning, the laws of probability weighing heavily against him. Hours later and after a Dusshera reprieve, time finally ran out for the actor.

Naturally, the prosecution, which has pursued the case for 14 long years, isn't happy.

It was almost a repeat of July 31, but a very different Sanjay Dutt. Last time he was completely shocked with what happened in court, but this time he seemed calmer, composed and mentally prepared for what was to come.

But it will be a long road to freedom as there will be at least a week before Dutt can even file an appeal for bail.

According to Supreme Court strictures, every convict has to send 9 copies of the judgement to the apex court, each one certified either by a court notary or sometimes the CBI.

The copies, each one 4,340 pages long have to be presented in a specific format, typed, double-spaced and margin parameters observed. All this could take a minimum 1 week.

Sanjay Dutt can apply for bail only once the copies reach the SC. And all this before the Diwali vacation begins.

Dutt, who has been sentenced to six years under the Arms Act, spent 21 days at Pune's Yerawada Jail.

There's only one difference this time, increased protection against an unrelenting papparazzi, who quite literally camped here in August when the actor checked in. Never mind Dutt, prying camera lenses will have a tough time catching a glimpse even of the jail's main gate.

Sanjay Dutt started his day with a simple plea, please pray for me and prayers are what he might need. With a judgement copy of more than 4000 pages and nine copies required by the Supreme Court, Sanjay Dutt now faces the prospect of a Diwali without lights.

source:NDTV.com