A sessions court here today extended till October 3 the interim protection from arrest granted to Bollywood film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali in a criminal case against him under the Essential Commodities Act.

The court also postponed the decision on Bhansali's anticipatory bail application till October 3.

Antique dealer Farida Hoosainally had said she had rented out rare antique furniture for Bhansali's film `Black', which was burnt in a fire on the sets of the movie.

Besides claiming damages for burnt furniture, Hoosainally also filed a police case against Bhansali and other directors of Applause Bhansali Film -- the production company which produced 'Black' -- alleging that they used domestic LPG cylinders during the shooting, the use of which is prohibited during the filming on a movie.

Hoosainally's lawyer Y P Singh had earlier moved Bombay High Court when police did not register an FIR initially.

The High Court referred the case to Magistrate's court, which asked the police to probe the case and file a report. 

--- PTI