Actor Sanjay Dutt [Images], released on Thursday from a Pune jail, said he had full faith in the judiciary, but was prepared for a long battle.

In his first public comments after he was sentenced last month, a relieved Dutt thanked fans who stood by him while he was in jail.

"All I can say is that I have full faith in judiciary, my country and the people of my country," Dutt told reporters outside his residence in Bandra in Mumbai.

"I have a long battle to face, please pray for me," he said, reading from a sheet of statement. 

"I will abide by the law and the decision of the court," said the actor, who made it clear that he would not take any questions from the media.

Dutt, who looked drained after his 23-day stint in jail, was accompanied by his sister Priya Dutt and her husband Owen Roncon when he appeared at the gates of Imperial Heights building.

Many fans, who crowded the area, began shouting slogans in his support on seeing him. Both Dutt and Priya were visibly emotional, and the latter was seen wiping tears while they went back.

The actor did not forget to thank the media before going inside, saying, "Thank you, I love you."