Saif Ali Khan Hotel Brawl: Court Cancels Bailable Warrant Against Malaika Arora

By Ruby Zaidi

Mumbai – A Mumbai court has officially cancelled a bailable warrant previously issued against Bollywood actor Malaika Arora, after she appeared before the court in connection with a long-pending 2012 hotel brawl case involving fellow actor Saif Ali Khan.

The warrant had been issued in April this year by the court after Malaika failed to present herself for the recording of her statement as a prosecution witness.

She was among several celebrities present on the night of the alleged incident. Her absence was viewed as non-cooperation by the prosecution, prompting legal action to ensure her presence.

However, Malaika Arora, on July 9, appeared before the Chief Judicial Magistrate K.S. Zanwar at the Esplanade Court in Mumbai, complying with the court’s directive. Upon her appearance, she submitted an application requesting the cancellation of the bailable warrant, citing her readiness to cooperate with the legal process.

The magistrate, upon considering the application and her appearance in person, accepted the plea and officially revoked the warrant.

Significantly, Malaika was subsequently dropped as a prosecution witness after the prosecution informed the court that she was not supporting their case.

This development has effectively removed her from the list of witnesses expected to testify in the matter.

The origins of the case go back to a high-profile altercation that occurred on the night of February 22, 2012, at a five-star hotel in South Mumbai. Saif Ali Khan was part of a dinner gathering with his then-girlfriend (now wife) Kareena Kapoor Khan, her sister Karisma Kapoor, Malaika Arora, her sister Amrita Arora, and a few male friends. During the evening, an alleged physical confrontation took place between Saif and a non-resident Indian (NRI) businessman, Iqbal Mir Sharma.

Sharma later filed a formal police complaint alleging that Saif Khan had assaulted him during the dinner event, resulting in injuries. Based on this complaint, Mumbai police had arrested Saif Ali Khan and two of his companions. However, they were released on bail shortly thereafter.

Since then, the case has witnessed multiple delays and developments. Several witnesses have either turned hostile or have been unable to provide conclusive testimony. With Malaika Arora now removed from the witness list, the prosecution may have to reassess the strength of its case as it moves forward.

The case remains ongoing, and Saif Ali Khan continues to face charges stemming from the alleged 2012 incident.