Original subtitles

- Good morning, Mr. Jethmalani. - Hmm.

Hello, sir. I am Nitesh.

Sir. I am very excited to interview you, sir.

What interview?

Sir, the book I am writing. You gave me the date.

I am 96. I don't remember anything.

But sir, you only asked me to come.

Nitesh Vaswani.

Spiral Bound Publication.

You are writing a book on the controversial cases...

...of the Indian judiciary.

[Ram] You called me at 9.30 pm 2 nights ago.

I am 96.

I remember everything.

[Narration] This happened in 1959 Bombay.

India had completed 12 years of independence.

Cinema was changing.

Western clothes had become fashionable.

The British game had become ours.

And even we were becoming British.

Foreign cars were running on the roads.

India was changing.

But some people were a little backward in their thoughts.

We were marching forward but staying backward.

It was the 27th of April.

The birthday of inspector John Lobo.

And this day changed the city completely.

[Kawas] Officer Lobo.

[Narration] This story starts with a confession.

I have shot a man.

[Title Montage]

[Traffic sound]

[Laughter]

[Mouthing]

[Maneckshaw]Oh my. Jelly. Patrani Fish.

Dhansaak? Who is coming?

My son.

Oh.

[Chuckles]

So much for Kawas?

[Doorbell rings]

Mani, go and open the door.

- Yes, Ashok? - Sir, Dhunjishaw had asked you to come home fast.

Is it?

What happened, Mani?

Dhunji had called home fast.

There is no time to go now.

Mehra.

The police has arrested Kawas?

[Smirks]

Name?

Commander Kawas Maneckshaw Nanavati.

The name of the person whom you killed?

[Kawas] Prem Bhagwandas Ahuja.

.38 Smith and Wesson.

Yeah. That was the gun.

- [Lobo]How many rounds did you shoot? - [Kawas] Three.

[Gun shots]

[Lobo] Did Prem Ahuja have any weapon?

[Kawas] I didn't see one.

[Lobo] Where did the murder take place?

[Kawas] In Prem Ahuja's bedroom.

Any witness?

Sir was very happy.

[Deepak] After having tea he said, Deepak, it is very hot.

I will take a bath. Go and get the towel.

I hung the towel in the bathroom.

After sometime, the doorbell rang.

[Doorbell rings]

[Anjani] When I opened the door, I found the Commander standing.

[Door opens]

[Anjani] Before I could say or ask anything...

...he made straight for sir's room.

- [Gun shots] - I heard three shots being fired.

[Anjani] When I ran and reached upstairs...

...I saw the commander holding the gun.

And on the ground, there was a pool of blood.

And our sir was lying on it.

[Lobo] How did you know Prem Ahuja?

Socially.

[Samuel] Sir is here.

[Samuel] It's the Prime Minister.

[Nehru] The Chinese President is giving hiccups...

...thinking about me and the war.

And the Press, is waiting for my reaction over the Pakistan issue.

And you want my attention on some random woman and her affair?

Sorry, sir.

I don't know what to say.

We cannot afford to have our forces defamed at this time.

Sir.

Who is this officer?

Commander Nanavati.

Kawas Nanavati?

Fix this, Menon.

Panditji.

[Car door opens]

- [Mouthing] - Car door closes]

[Kataria] I was in Delhi yesterday.

Prime Minister, the Defense Minister.

Defense Secretary.

I met everyone.

And we all feel,

you haven't done anything wrong.

[Kataria] Now, all we need is a good lawyer.

And you will get out of this.

Sir.

I have committed a crime.

And I should be punished for it.

Stop torturing yourself, Nani.

You are best commander in Navy.

[Kataria] Trust me.

You will be fine.

All you have to do...

...is sign this paper.

Let the lawyers do their job.

Sorry, sir.

Are you out of your mind?

[Kataria] If not for yourself, do it for the uniform.

You won't be awarded if you are being truthful.

Sir, this is my final decision.

[Kawas] I won't do it.

[Narration] The man who had been solving theft of bicycles...

...and tiffs between landlords and their renters...

...his destiny was going to get recorded in history.

[Mrs Trivedi] Wait. Listen.

There is a call for you again. Hurry up.

[Chandu] Office.

[Background noises]

[Mrs Trivedi] Okay.

[Chair clicking]

- Sit. - [Mrs Trivedi] I will sit.

Answer the phone.

Hello? Chandu Tri... Sir?

Yes, sure.

Yes. Sorry.

Hell...

I just wanted to wish you a good day. Thank...

Thank you, sir. Master.

[Phone clicks]

[Narration] The Parsi community was united trying to save Kawas.

And they approached the most flamboyant and great...

...defence lawyer of that time, Karl Khandalavala.

Sir, Mr. Maneckshaw is waiting to see you.

[Mouthing]

Mr. Nanavati.

[Karl] Uncle Sohrab, the head of the Parsi Panchayat called me.

And I will tell you the same thing that I told him.

Nothing will happen to Kawas.

[Dhunjishaw] But do you know he has surrendered with a confession?

Don't worry and go to sleep.

Kawas is absolutely safe.

Consider Kawas to be on the ship.

Once the ship returns in five-six months...

...Kawas will be back too.

Please take him home.

Sir, here are the case files.

Please.

[Phone ringing]

Hello? Blitz office.

Yes, sir. Hold on.

Sir, Mr. Menon is calling from Delhi.

[Bell ringing]

Has Indu got divorced?

- No idea, sir. May I ask? - I am not asking you.

Give.

Comrade Menon.

Is it just the second drink or what, Russi?

Fourth.

[Giggling]

Are you in your senses or shall I call you in the morning?

[Chuckles]

If the Defence Minister calls so late at night...

...many people lose their senses.

I am awake. Tell me.

You must know about Commander Nanavati's case.

[Menon on phone] Panditji and I are very concerned.

We would want Blitz and you...

...to help Commander Nanavati.

Commander Nanavati has killed an innocent man.

It is not about an individual Russi.

The question is not about Commander Nanavati.

The question is about Indian Navy and its honor...

...and of the security of the nation.

[Menon on phone] I wouldn't have troubled you at midnight...

...if it was an ordinary matter.

So, say it straight. It's an order, right?

If that helps,

it is one then?

[Menon on call] So, Russi.

Is Blitz ready to take on the job?

Well, anything for the country.

Thank you.

Good night.

[Phone banging]

[Clicking sounds]

[Narration] Russi Karanjia and Blitz...

...will become the most important players of this tale.

[Man 1] Wow. Wonderful.

Uncle, it is very good. One minute.

- Yes. - Chandu Trivedi?

It's me. Who are you?

Mamie Ahuja.

Mamie...

Come.

[Coughing]

Please leave.

[Clear throat]

[Chandu] I am sorry to hear about your brother.

How are the preparations for the case going on?

[Typing sound]

[Chandu] Awesome.

Do you think we can win this case?

It's an open and shut case.

[Chandu] He surrendered. He deposited the weapon.

The judge won't require a lot of time to see and understand that.

The game will get over in just two days.

Do you think it will be so easy to win this case?

It will be.

Even the opposition knows it.

That's why the greatest lawyer in the city...

...is fighting on behalf of him.

Who is it?

Karl Khandalawala.

[Typing sound]

Hope.

[Chandu] Mamie madam.

He is the final hope of the defence.

Why did they engage the greatest lawyer...

...of the city Karl Khandalavala?

Hope.

He is also a Parsi.

In such times, family, community, everyone unites.

Don't worry.

We will win the case.

That's for sure.

- The coat fits well..? - Tsk

[Typing sound]

[Judge] There is a dead body.

A weapon.

And a confession.

Counsels, let us not waste each other's time.

The case is going to trial.

Milord, I have a small request.

[Judge] Yes?

In my 15 years of my practice and in the history of India...

...I have never come across a more serious case than this.

Because that man standing there...

...he is not just my client.

But also an honorable officer of the Indian Navy.

And me and the Indian Navy believes...

...that as per Commander Nanavati's status...

...we should grant him Naval custody.

May I suggest say something?

Mr. Karl said one correct thing.

Navy has contributed a lot to this country.

[Chandu] That's why even I respect the Navy a lot.

And who doesn't know about the commander?

Everyone respects the commander...

...a lot in police custody.

Not on that, inspector Lobo kept him in the record room.

He gets mutton berry pulao to eat daily.

If we all start thinking emotionally like this...

...then he does deserve naval custody.

Mr. Karl, you forgot something.

As per the 1957 Naval Act...

...one cannot get Naval custody in cases of murder and rape.

[Chandu] And our commander is a murderer, right?

[Karl] He has not committed a murder, Mr. Trivedi.

He has been charged with murder.

And milord, I don't have any doubt...

...that I can prove that my client is not a murderer.

But a hero.

[Judge] Mr. Trivedi, I am granting his request for Naval custody.

But Mr. Karl, on the condition that...

...the investigating officer...

...will apply for a reversal of this order...

...given the slightest reason.

The trial will now begin in Sessions court.

The court is adjourned.

[Beats gavel]

[Car screeching]

[Car door opens]

[Car door closes]

[Man 1] Sir, you are our hero.

Whatever you did was correct, sir.

No matter what the court decides...

...you will always be an inspiration.

[Man 2] People like Prem deserve this, sir.

We stay away from our family and risk our life for the country.

And these bastards enter our homes...

This was just the beginning.

What you kids call it?

A teaser. A sneak peek.

A hero. A villain.

A judge. A joker.

A jury. It had everything.

- What were you here? - I was not there.

Get your facts right.

Sir...

I was an outsider.

Because strings can only be pulled from the outside.

I was about to make my entry now.

- Madam, we have to talk to Chandu. - Don't utter his name.

He can't do anything.

If we want to win this case.

We need a lawyer who is a fox in a lawyer's suit.

[Bhai Pratap] Mamie, my dear daughter.

Bhai Pratap.

Take care.

[Sobbing]

[Mamie] I have been orphaned.

No, how is that possible.

Prem has sent so many kids of the refugee camp to school.

How can Prem's sister be orphaned?

Whatever happens,

let me know, I will come.

No.

I need a new lawyer, Bhai Pratap.

I know a Sindhi fellow.

He is as good as Khandalawala.

Who?

Ram.

Ram Bulchand Jethamalani.

It's a child's play.

The case which amateur lawyers can win in mock courts.

You want to hire me for that?

Judgement will be given in two hearings.

Life imprisonment or death sentence.

It is an open and shut case.

Mr. Jethamalani, I am tired of hearing it's an open and shut case.

If it as open and shut case.

Explain to me,

why was he sent from lockup to the naval custody?

That murderer was eating 'Berry mutton pulao' in the lockup.

Blitz have already started making him a hero.

[Mamie] The government has purposely given us an absolutely useless,

Good for nothing lawyer like Chandu Trivedi.

Can't you see?

That they are trying to save a monster in a Navy uniform.

What do you want, Miss Ahuja?

My brother was my only family.

I asked, what do you want?

If Kawas Nanavati gets saved.

Then every government servant in a uniform, carrying a gun,

will consider himself as God.

What do you want?

I want Kawas Maneckshaw Nanavati hung till death.

For this heinous crime.

There can only be one punishment.

Hanging. Hanging. Hanging.

Wonderful. Wow.

[Ram] But he won't be hanged if your utter it thrice.

It is not a case of 'Talaq'.

That you get divorced if you utter the word thrice.

For whom are you preparing this speech?

For the judge.

What about the other nine jury members?

Do I have to speak separately to the nine jury members?

Maybe someone from the jury,

might regard Kawas Nanavati as his father Someone might pity his kids.

Maybe an old woman might consider Kawas as her own son.

So give one speech.

But it should touch the soul of eleven people.

Eleven?

Nine jury member and one judge.

Who is the eleventh?

You.

If you will feel, then everyone will experience it.

Who are you?

Advocate Ram Jethamalani.

You are pregnant and haven't eaten anything. Go home.

Mamie madam, this is my case.

There is no need for another Lawyer.

You are not my public prosecutor.

But my helplessness.

The government has chosen you for me, I haven't.

So obey the government and let me do my work.

Just a minute. What are you doing?

Mr. Chandu, is not an ordinary lawyer.

- Isn't it? - Obviously.

Mr. Chandu, you will surely fight this case.

I will just sit behind on the bench.

[Ram] On a watching brief.

Your name will be recorded in history.

You can assume you have an assistant for free.

You want to be my assistant?

Yes.

It takes a family to raise a child.

But it takes a community to save a child.

Tell me, when was the last time,

when Parsi's felt proud of living in this country?

[Ram] Hindu.

We want maximum Hindus in the jury.

And if possible Sindhi.

How is the religion related?

[Mamie] They would want maximum Parsis, in the jury.

[Narrator] Judge R B Mehta, was going to conclude this case.

He believed on astrology and stars as much as he believed...

...on his law and court room books.

Good morning sir.

Your honor.

Ya, good morning.

[Judge RB Mehta] Navy officers,

who are not directly associated with the case.

Please stand up.

Gentleman please leave the court.

You will be summoned if needed.

But my lord.

They are here to protect the honor of the Navy.

You better learn to protect the honor of the court first.

[Judge RB Mehta] Gentleman, please leave.

Can we begin the selection of jury?

Defence and prosecution, both will be given a chance to ask a question,

to each and every jury member.

And no member can be selected...

...without the approval of both the councils.

[Announcement] Candidate number one.

Sanjay Lal Mishra, please enter the court.

I am Sanjay Lal Mishra.

I am a ticket checker at the railways.

Greetings Mr. Sanjay.

What is your opinion about Gandhiji?

Gandhiji was symbol of peace and non-violence.

- Yes. - [Sanjay] I follow his footsteps.

Even today I wear clothes made in India.

The defence requests that jury candidate number one...

...be excused.

- What do you mean? - No.

[Announcement] Candidate number two. Enter the court.

[Karl] Mr. Saurabh Irani.

Have you ever thought of joining the defence forces?

Last month I gave my NDA entrance exams sir.

[Saurabh] Service before self.

Your honor. The defence accepts the candidate.

Prosecution denies.

No.

I think women should have the right to work and be independent.

Prosecution disapproves.

[Man 1] No, I have never gone to a whorehouse.

No.

Had Sita not crossed her line,

then Ravana would not have been killed by Rama.

[Chandu] Prosecution disapproves.

I swear on God, I only eat at the house of a Brahmin.

Defence accepts candidate 56.

[Chandu] Prosecution disapproves absolutely.

[Karl] The defence accepts.

Prosecution does not.

What is going on?

[Judge RB Mehta] Approach the bench.

Approach.

[Judge RB Mehta] What is this?

We began at 10, now it is three.

You could not select a single jury members,

disapproving each other.

Mr. Karl, do you want Mr. Nanavati...

...to stay in the Naval jail all his life.

Trivedi, do you want this case to go on for life long?

Actually I am against violence.

Hindi or English please.

[Judge RB Mehta] Settle mutually. Come to a conclusion.

Let us proceed. Yes.

- Sure sir. Thank you. - Yes sir.

[Announcement] Candidate number 59. Enter the court.

[Chandu] Barjour Lakhdawala.

What is your opinion on violence?

I feel whatever the situation maybe,

we should not get violent.

He is lying.

[Ram] Look at the marks on his hand.

This is not a simple wound.

That is perfect for us.

If we accept him, Chandu will reject him.

If Chandu has any brains he should not approve of him.

- No. - No.

Prosecution approves.

Your honor the defence also accepts candidate number 59.

Thank you.

Sir.

[Homi] Barjour Lakhdawala.

Married with four kids.

Prays at Agiyary every morning...

...and ends his nights by drinking at Leopold cafe.

What does he think about Kawas?

Guilty or not guilty?

[Barjour] If Prem Ahuja had an affair with his boss's wife.

I could have understood.

I would have forgiven, even if he had an affair...

...with his neighbor's wife.

But he had an affair with a Naval officer wife, that too a Parsi.

This is treason to the country.

Did you think he will be hanged?

I will discharge my duty of being a Parsi in the court.

- You are right. - I don't know about the rest.

[Homi] Sir, he believes Kawas is not guilty.

Good.

Okay, begin.

Defence approves.

Prosecution approves.

[Announcement] Candidate number 67.

Sir, I believe a man should not be judged by his caste,

community, and religion.

Whether he is Sindhi or Parsi.

We accept candidate 67 as the member of the jury.

Prosecution also approves.

Accepted.

[Chandu] Prosecution also approves.

- Accepted your honor. - Accepted.

[Mouthing]

[Judge RB Mehta] Welcome jury members.

Remember you have to give your judgement...

...by not getting emotional or influenced by others.

You not only carry the responsibility of a single person.

But the responsibility of justice itself.

So be alert. Good luck.

Thank you.

[Russi] Five Hindus. Two Parsis. One Christian.

And one Anglo Indian.

Interesting.

Five Hindus means, the ball is in Ram's court.

Sir, how does it matter?

I mean, what difference does it make?

Homi,

this is India.

Here religion is the only thing that matters.

Not reason.

Right sir.

In that case,

Ram will definitely influence jury towards him.

Yes he will.

But there is an unseen jury.

And that is going to change the game.

That is?

Blitz.

Milord.

Whenever I see a public servant with a uniform and an official gun.

I get scared.

[Chandu] And this fear,

is rapidly spreading to the people of this country.

Mr. Chandu, the next line is the most important.

Commander Kawas Nanavati has used...

...the uniform and official gun as his own property.

To take revenge from Prem Ahuja,

he entered his home in broad daylight, and murdered him.

The state of Maharashtra requests...

...that Commander Kawas Maneckshaw Nanavati,

be hung to death.

For the cold blooded brutal murder.

Of Prem Bhagwandas Ahuja.

It was a calculated act of revenge.

The state of Maharashtra,

accuses Commander Kawas Nanavati,

for having killed Prem Bhagwandas Ahuja.

In an unfortunate incident, caused by anger and provocation.

Unfortunate incident?

Anger and provocation?

He completely changed your statement.

He did not just change my statement.

He has changed the case.

Commander Kawas Maneckshaw Nanavati.

Under section 302,

you are guilty of murdering Prem Bhagwandas Ahuja.

How do you plead, commander?

Sir.

What did Kawas say?

Impatient.

So impatient. Your generation.

Guilty or not guilty, is written in the case report.

It is also written in the internet.

Everyone has read it.

You too, have you read or not?

Yes, of course sir.

Kawas said that...

Point is not what Kawas said.

The point is what happened before...

...Kawas came to the court.

[Sniffles]

Sylvia.

[Sniffles]

- Yes. - Prem's letters.

Kids are roaming around.

They shouldn't see them.

Mother I was.

Bring my son back home.

That is not in my hands.

He has to decide.

Kawas will decide?

You don't get it, do you?

What?

No man ever decides on his own.

[Mehra] They think they take the decision.

But it is us who make the decision that they take.

So you better convince my son.

- [Pheroze] Papa. - Pheroze.

Hey, open the door.

[Door opens]

Pheroze.

Oh Tanny, come.

- How are you? - I am fine.

[Kiss sound]

[Kawas] Come.

Yes. Come here.

How are you?

Daddy, do you live her alone?

Don't you have a piano here?

Yes dear, I live her alone and there is no piano here.

And,

where is Jimmy?

He is sleeping.

Pheroze has a question for you.

Hope you can answer him.

Papa.

Did you hurt someone?

Yes, son.

I did hurt someone.

When will you come back home?

Come here.

- Come. - [Kissing]

I plead...

I plead, not guilty sir.

[Gasps in shock]

[Mamie] What just happened in the court?

You asked Chandu Trivedi to say,

That he is a cold blooded murderer.

But he said that...

...it was an unfortunate incident caused by provocation and anger.

Say something Mr. Jethamalani.

Miss Ahuja, this case, this court, these people...

...are all showing their feats.

What do you mean?

This case is a circus.

Tickets should be sold for it.

I am no longer in this case from tomorrow.

You said he will plead guilty.

You said Kawas Nanavati is an honorable man.

How could he change?

[Footsteps]

Kawas Nanavati was an honorable man.

Until he met his lawyers.

[Ram] Congratulations Mr. Chandu?

Hey, she hasn't delivered yet.

Doctor said there is still time.

Come.

No I was congratulating you for the new job.

Where did you get the job? At Nanavati's residence?

Or at Karl Khandalwalas's office?

Brother Ram, why are you saying this?

Because you too at the court,

instead of cold blooded murderer said, unfortunate incident.

[Ram] Isn't it?

I agree, I made a mistake.

But you don't know the whole story.

I don't want to know the whole thing...

I just wanted to know the market rate of government lawyers.

[Woman] Mr. Trivedi, congratulations, it is a boy.

Congratulations.

You have to go?

You know I can ready your mind.

The name that you have thought for your son, don't keep that.

[Ram] I will tell you a wonderful name.

Treacherous.

Om...

They have declared Prem Ahuja...

...to be the number one playboy of this country.

Kawas Nanavati murdered my brother.

[Mamie] And to save him now,

they are stabbing my brother's dead body.

Miss Ahuja.

I am feeling very sad to hear you.

But don't expect anything else except sympathy from me.

Mr. Jethamalani, please.

Today I have already decided and come

[Mamie] That I will remove Chandu Trivedi from this case.

What is the procedure for appointing a new public prosecutor?

You are not understanding the matter.

You are up against some very powerful people.

What do you think? If they can bribe Chandu Trivedi.

Can't they bribe any other lawyer?

Who said I am have been sold? I am sold?

Brother Ram.

I am not a very successful lawyer.

Not worthy enough of being sold.

But...

...I came to know from you.

That lawyers too have a rate card?

Madam it is a very huge case for me.

[Chandu] But do you know what my salary from the government is?

Karl Khandalwala's typist must be earning more than me.

I am a working class guy.

Marathi medium.

When Karl Khandalwala stands in front of me I feel,

Lord Mount Batten is standing in front of me.

I get calls at two and three in the night.

[Deshmukh] Mr. Chandu Trivedi.

- YC Deshmukh. - Greeting sir.

[Deshmukh] I wanted to give you an inside news.

Commander Nanavati is going to plead guilty tomorrow.

- Oh is it? - [Deshmukh] What else can the poor fellow do?

Whatever, had to happen, in anger, and provocation, happened.

You please don't be harsh at him at the court.

- What do you mean? - [Deshmukh] Look, Mr. Trivedi,

if you are strict at the court, he might be hanged.

If you are a little lenient,

then also he will surely get a life imprisonment.

You are anyways going to win the case.

You are a winner both the ways.

I can understand sir.

- But. - [Deshmukh] No buts, Mr. Trivedi.

[Deshmukh] He has young kids like you.

Old parents.

If he dies, they all will die.

Please cooperate a bit.

It will be good for your future too.

My mistake was that I agreed.

But now I want to rectify my mistake.

Please give me a chance.

One chance.

No. I don't want to hear anything.

Please leave.

[Chandu] But you can't blame the whole thing on me.

Brother Ram, you said he would plead guilty.

They whole city said, he would plead guilty.

They haven't made a fool of me alone.

[Chandu] Brother Ram,

I have chosen a wonderful name for my son.

Satya.

[Narration] The case was now at such a point...

...where every witness, every word, and testimony...

...could have changed the map of the case.

[Chandu] On 27th April, afternoon Commander Nanavati...

...murdered Prem Ahuja.

Where were you that day?

The day the murder took place?

Then say so.

[Chandu] Say the entire thing. Tell us more.

[Anjani] The doorbell rang.

When I opened the door, the commander was standing there.

Before I was able to ask anything...

...the Commander entered the house.

And he went directly to Mr. Prem's room.

When he entered the house was he holding any weapon?

He was holding a brown envelope.

What was there in the envelope?

Where you able to see? No, no one saw.

From the bedroom did you hear Prem Ahuja and the Commander...

Shouting or screaming?

There was no shouting or screaming.

There was the noise of just three shots getting fired.

[Murmurs]

[Ram] So, when you first heard the shots, what did you do first?

I ran to Mr. Prem's room.

Master!

[Deepak] I saw the commander holding a gun.

And in front of him in a pool of blood...

...Mr. Prem's corpse was lying.

I tried hard to stop the commander.

[Purab Singh] I told him, you cannot leave.

- Move. - I won't allow you to leave...

...unless the police arrives.

Speak softly.

- Sorry, sir. - Yes.

And then the Commander said.

I am going to surrender.

[Chandu] Tell what the commander said again.

[Purab Singh] Yes, sir.

The Commander said I am going to the police to surrender.

Will you remember that?

- You need to say so in court. - [Purab Singh] Yes, sir.

Because I have shot Prem.

Because Prem Ahuja had an illegitimate affair with my wife.

[Judge RB Mehta] Mr. Karl Khandalwala.

Do you want to ask the witness anything?

- Purab Singh? - Yes, sir.

Whatever you said just now...

...will you please repeat that?

[Purab Singh] Of course, sir.

I tried to stop the commander.

The Commander said I am going to the police to surrender.

[Purab Singh] Because I have shot Prem.

Because Prem Ahuja had an illegitimate affair with my wife.

Prem Ahuja had an illegitimate affair with his wife.

That's what the Commander told you?

Yes.

[Smirks]

[Sighs]

Thank you.

Purab Singh.

The last line you just said is missing from your police statement.

And the Commander said that I am going to surrender to the police.

And you have signed below it.

[Karl] Then where did this line come from...

...where he says Prem Ahuja had an affair with my wife.

Mr. Chandu, was this your idea or of your handlers?

- Objection! - Sustained.

I don't have a handler, Mr. Karl.

I am a one man army.

Tell me if you have to get across any point to me.

That will be all, your honor.

[Judge RB Mehta] Call the next witness.

The prosecution wants to call upon Provost Marshal Samuel.

Mr. Provost, that day after murdering Prem Ahuja...

...did Commander Nanavati come to meet you?

- Objection, your honor. - Sustained.

What is this after the murder?

We had come to court to decide if it was a murder or not.

They are trying to influence the jury.

[Judge RB Mehta] Mr. Trivedi.

Please rephrase this question.

Done.

Rephrase.

That afternoon after doing dot, dot, dot of Prem Ahuja...

[Laughter]

[Judge RB Mehta] Order.

Did Commander Nanavati come to meet you?

- Yes. - What did he tell you?

When Commander Nanavati came to meet me...

...he seemed to be very tensed.

He told me, I think I have a shot a man.

He wanted to go to the police station and confess.

So, I told him to go to the Crime Branch office...

...and meet Officer Lobo.

[Samuel] Before leaving, he gave me his house keys.

And he asked me to give them to his wife, Sylvia.

So, he told you that he has killed Prem Ahuja.

Right?

He didn't say that.

He didn't tell you that he has killed Prem Ahuja?

Isn't that what you just said?

Marshal, for the sake of the court and the jury...

...can you please tell again as to when...

...Commander Nanavati came to you...

...what was his state of mind.

What did he exactly tell you?

He was dazed and shocked.

He said,

I think I have shot a man.

[Karl] Hmm.

I think I have a shot a man.

Dazed and shocked, your honor.

Please note that.

When a man commits a murder intentionally he is not shocked.

In fact he remains calm.

[Karl] A man is shocked when he commits a mistake.

My lord.

In the police statement,

Mr. Samuel has not written that...

...Commander Nanavati was shocked.

Because at that time, no one asked me...

...about Commander Nanavati's mental state.

Exactly.

Huh.

Marshal.

[Karl] What was your reaction when the commander came to you...

...and he said that I think I have shot a man.

I was shocked.

[Laughing]

My lord, some time ago Commander Nanavati was shocked.

[Chandu] Now he is shocked.

Members of the Jury, no one was shocked.

Actually, everyone knew the truth.

Mr. Trivedi.

You will get a chance to talk to the jury later.

I am here now. Talk to me.

- Huh? - Sorry, my lord.

Actually, after listening to all this even I was shocked.

And I suddenly started to speak to the jury.

[Chandu] Actually, a play with words is happening at the court.

Mr. Karl,

what will you call this?

World play.

Word play.

Your honor, this is a highly sensitive case.

You, we, members of the jury...

I...and everybody here in this court...

I...must be sure of every single word...

...before it passes to judgement.

Every word matters.

Karl Khandalwala had played well by saying...

...that every word is important.

[Ram] Now you need to do something...

...which will disrupt everything he said.

[Chandu] Ram, talk in legal terms please.

Our next witness...

[Typing sound]

[Ram] Officer John Lobo.

The one to whom Kawas Nanavati had surrendered to.

Good morning.

Good morning, Marshal.

What did officer Lobo say?

I tried my best.

- He didn't listen. - Marshal, you couldn't convince an officer?

You want me to do that too?

Officer Lobo.

On the afternoon of 27th April, 1959...

...Commander Kawas Nanavati came to the crime branch...

...and confessed in front of you.

What he said in three words...

...just say that exactly here at court now.

[Lobo] 27th April, 1959.

- Afternoon. - Yes, afternoon. Afternoon 3pm.

Commander Nanavati came to the Crime Branch office...

- ...and said that I have... - Objection, my lord.

May I please approach the bench?

Thank you.

- You come here too. - Me?

[Clears throat]

Sir, the defence requests not to entertain officer John Lobo's...

...testimony as evidence in this case.

[Chandu] If it is evidence, we need to produce it, my lord.

How can we avoid it? Are you the judge or he is?

[Chandu] Is this is a murder case or some local game going on?

New rules daily.

[Judge RB Mehta] Mr. Trivedi, new rules, old rules, etc.

I am here to decide on that.

Let me decide.

Mr. Karl, what objection do you have against his testimony?

Sir, my client's confession was taken...

...in the absence of the judicial magistrate.

It's not admissible, sir.

[Judge RB Mehta] I know that...

...the testimony given to the police is not admissible.

Even I am not going to record it as evidence.

So, let him speak. What difference does it make?

Sir, it makes no difference to you, no difference to me.

It makes no difference to Mr. Trivedi either.

But it matters to the jury, sir.

[Karl] Everything said in this court can influence them for sure.

And all my evidence and proving my client's innocence...

...is going to have a tainted point of view, sir.

Please understand that.

I don't understand, my lord.

Whatever truth was said during the confusion...

...I just want the people, the jury to know about it.

Oh no.

Mr. Karl is correct.

[Judge RB Mehta] His client has pleaded not guilty.

So evidence is not admissible.

Let me know if you have any legal argument against this.

Otherwise you can go and speak to your handler.

I don't have a handler.

[Chandu] I don't need anyone.

I accept.

After Commander Nanavati pleaded non guilty...

...the confession given to officer John Lobo...

...is worthless legally.

[Judge RB Mehta] That's the court orders officer John Lobo...

...to write down his testimony...

...which we will hand over to the jury later.

- [Mamie] No. - [Murmurs]

[Karl] The art of war. By Sun Tzu.

It's a good read.

This book taught art of war to people like Mao, Stalin and Fidel.

The mantra of victory.

Don't you think you should be reading art of defence?

You know Kawas.

There is a benefit of you staying in here.

[Karl] You have no idea...

...what is happening outside this cell in this city.

I have read this book.

Well, then my client is already prepped.

But the question is...

are you ready to tell the most important part...

...or the most important story of this case?

[Karl] Look Kawas,

you have pled Nolle Guilty.

So you cannot relate the facts.

Outside the entire city is burning in the fire...

...caused by the fight between the Parsi and the Sindhi community.

Trust me.

We need a story.

[Thunder rumbling]

Write.

This is not just the question of Prem Ahuja.

They are targeting every Sindhi.

Prem Ahuja's murder case is going on in court.

But a different game is going on outside the court.

That's why I have called Bhai Pratap and you all.

Ram is correct.

[Pratap] The Parsis are not able to tolerate the fact...

...as to how we Sindhis have advanced so fast so soon.

They had themselves ran away from Iran to India.

And they call us people from Karachi.

They call us smugglers.

Our blood boils.

We won't be oppressed this time.

Otherwise they will oppress us forever.

Just give a hint.

We will set up competition in front of their shops, hotels, etc.

And I will only do business at half the rate for the next year.

My name is not Ashok Sidhwani...

...if I don't get their shops locked up.

My house has got locked up, Ram.

[Thunder rumbling]

In your fight of Parsis and Sindhis...

...my family has been brought out to the roads.

[Rain and thunder]

[Karl] In this case, many people have said so far...

...what commander has told them and what he hasn't.

In which words.

In which state of mind.

But no one knows what had actually happened...

...in Prem Ahuja's bedroom that day.

The truth your honour is hidden...

...between the four walls of Prem Ahuja's bedroom.

And there's only one person in this court...

...who exactly knows what happened.

So, members of the jury.

My Lord, let's hear what happened on that...

...fateful April afternoon.

From the horse's mouth himself.

And with your permission may I call upon...

...commander Kawas Maneckshaw Nanavati.

Commander Nanavati.

Tell the court and the jury, what had...

...exactly happened in Prem Ahuja's room that day.

In complete detail.

When I reached Prem Ahuja's room,

I directly went to his bedroom.

[Kawas] He had just taken bath and was combing his hair.

He was only in the towel.

When he saw me, he was shocked.

He asked me.

What the hell are you doing here?

I asked him.

Are you prepared to...

...marry my wife and look after my children?

What did he say next?

Tell the judge and jury members.

What he said exactly.

He said.

Will I marry every women I sleep with?

[Murmurs]

- Silence. - [Gavel striking]

[Judge RB Mehta] Please continue.

I could not control my anger.

In a fit of rage, I rushed to him.

I placed my gun on the cabinet...

...and we had a scuffle.

Prem picked up the gun.

I grabbed his right hand to stop him.

My finger touched the trigger in that scuffle...

...and accidently...

...the bullet was shot.

[Murmurs]

And this is the truth, Your Honour.

Bullets were fired on 27th April.

Three shots were fired. And yes.

[Karl] There was a dead body.

But it wasn't a murder.

It was an unfortunate accident.

As said earlier by the public prosecutor Chandu Trivedi.

Mr. Trivedi, do you need an invitation for cross examination?

- My Lord. - I haven't finished yet.

What did you do then?

My Lord, we've already heard the story further.

Of course, we have, Mr. Chandu.

But from the provost Marshal.

Now commander is saying it.

I'd request the prosecution to practice some patience.

Thank you.

[Murmurs]

Continue.

I left from there...

...and directly went to my senior provost marshal.

He asked me to go to crime branch office.

And surrender to officer John Lobo.

Was Prem Ahuja's bedroom door...

...left open or closed at that time?

I don't remember.

He's wasting time by posing irrelevant questions.

I've a question.

I've not finished yet.

I've just one question. Allow me to ask.

[Karl] Anyways, commander. When the bullets were fired.

Three bullets were fired. Accidently.

What was your first reaction?

You felt bad? Were you feeling guilty?

Or were you feeling shocked?

I fail to understand whether he's posing questions...

...or writing an essay?

I just have one question to ask.

Please, let me...

Mr. Trivedi. You can ask your question in the next hearing.

My Lord, just one question.

The court is adjourned.

[Gavel striking]

[Shrikala] It was a surprising twist in the case.

I never imagined that it could be an accident.

- Absolutely. - Madam,

we've heard only one side.

Let's see what prosecution has to say.

But from Kawas' expressions I don't think he was lying. Right?

In that particular situation the poor fellow had no other options.

Mr. Chandu,

were you sleeping?

Don't you worry, bro Ram.

We will look into it on the next hearing.

It's after four days.

[Ram] Will Jury remember what Kawas said today?

They won't dream of your intelligent question.

Don't mind, Mr. Chandu.

But once again Karl has played with us.

Today we are taking you to the actual crime location.

So that you can understand what had happened there.

[Police man] And yes, it's prohibited to touch...

...anything at the crime location.

There's no sign of scuffle in the bedroom.

I agree with you, sir.

Isn't this the lucky bed that gave pleasure to Prem?

- [Giggling] - Just a minute.

[Karunesh] Sir, dead body fell in which position?

- I mean straight or reverse? - Reverse.

[Ganesh] He means to ask whether the dead body...

...was facing the roof or was it upside down when you found it first?

What scene is this?

[Van roaming]

[Clap]

Normal people's houses are never like this.

This Prem Ahuja's bungalow...

...was none less than a lusty man's den.

House of the rich person is like this.

Yes. I agree with you.

Kawas is so handsome. Poor fellow will get hanged.

All because of that fair witch.

Had she not been into affair with that Sindhi...

...a soldier wouldn't have committed this sin accidently.

If a married woman falls in love...

...does that makes her witch?

How can she fall in love with another man after marriage?

It happens. Try it once.

[Shrikala]I've read it in Blitz.

Prem Ahuja had more than one girlfriend.

[Ganesh] Yes, even I've heard the discussions...

...that Ahuja even after dying must be chasing women ghosts.

[Giggling]

What is being published in the newspaper.

And what is being discussed outside the court.

You shouldn't pay attention to all these things.

What's proved in the court. That's more important.

[Van roaming]

[Murmurs]

[Flipping of newspaper's sound]

My Lord.

[Karl] How long we will wait for the public prosecutor?

Sir, it's against the honor of the court.

May I ask? Why are you being so lenient?

If public prosecutor wouldn't arrive in next five minutes, Mr. Karl.

...I assure you I will not let him cross examine...

...the commander, okay?

My apology.

[Chandu] My apology.

My apology.

With your permission, may I start with the cross examination?

Mr. Trivedi.

The first big case you got and...

...you started showing your true colours.

[Judge RB Mehta] You're late by half an hour.

Do you know the amount of expenses incurred...

...every minute in running the court?

Government has spent Rs.110 because...

...you came half an hour late.

It must be more than your three months' salary.

- Shall I deduct it? - This is the last time.

After this I will never get late.

I would like to pose few questions to the commander.

[Chandu] Commander, has this ever happened that you saw...

...a banana skin first and then accidently slipped on it.

[All laughing]

Has this ever happened that you first saw...

...a crow shitting and then accidently came below it.

Never.

Then how did it happen that you came to know...

...that your wife is having affair with Prem Ahuja.

Once you got to know, you first went on to the ship...

...took out your gun, loaded it.

And then went to Prem Ahuja's house.

And shot him accidently.

I didn't take my gun to kill Prem Ahuja.

What was the other reason? Say something.

The court wants to know.

Sir, I wanted to kill myself.

[Murmurs]

He's speaking a lie.

If he really wanted to kill himself...

...he didn't do that instead he killed Prem Ahuja.

I object, My Lord.

[Judge RB Mehta] Overruled.

There were two people in the room.

One is dead. The other one is right before us.

But he isn't speaking the truth.

Commander Kawas Nanavati isn't speaking truth.

But the second person who knows everything.

Member of the jury, My Lord.

And everyone present in the court.

- Oh my God! - This...

This is Prem Bhagwandas Ahuja.

He wants to ask few questions to you.

- To all. - Trivedi.

- What drama is this? - It isn't any drama.

It's a skull.

It's a skull.

Whatever it is, put it inside. Come on.

Put it inside.

Thank you.

He was alive a few days ago.

[Chandu] He had two ears, two eyes.

He used to smile and cry.

But he isn't alive anymore .

- He has questions... - Mr. Trivedi.

- He wants to ask you few questions. - This is contempt of court.

- Inspector. - He wants to ask.

- [Judge RB Mehta] Inspector. - Hey.

[Chandu] He wants to ask him as well.

Take him out.

I eat Indian burgers.

I'm not less intelligent than you. Mountbatten.

[Murmurs]

[News Reporter] Mr. Jethmalani.

Mr. Jethmalani,

is it true that you decide all the strategy of the prosecution?

And then the idea of the skull was also yours?

Not just this case.

I decide all the strategy of every case I am involved.

[News Reporter] So it would be fair to say...

...that the public prosecutor Chandu Trivedi...

...is totally dependent on you.

Let's just say he's lucky to have me on a watching brief.

Thank you.

- Chandu. - Good morning, Mr. Ram.

Morning.

[Chandu] You all set to go down in history.

Are you prepared for the hearing?

I did all the homework you said.

Actually I want to ask something. May I? Don't mind.

Had you not been a Sindhi,

you would be fighting Kawas Nanavati's case...

...instead of Karl Khandalavala.

Come on.

[Dr. Jhala] Sir, Prem Ahuja was shot thrice.

First one right under the right collarbone in the chest.

(Gunshot)

The second one passed through the small and the ring finger...

...and hit his ear.

[Gunshot]

And the third one passed through the skull.

[Gunshot]

Due to which he suffered chest and skull haemorrhage.

And he died.

The commander said they had a scuffle.

And he got shot.

Can I call Mr. Ram to explain?

Mr. Ram, please.

You're Prem Ahuja.

[Chandu] I am commander Kawas Nanavati.

And we have a scuffle.

Let's get into a scuffle. Here goes.

This is what happened. And this and this.

- Now Dr. Jhala. - Yes?

Tell me. Can the bullets fire and cause injury in this position?

- Sir, no. It's impossible. - [Chandu] Why?

Because when we examined the chest wound...

...we found that there is no carbonation tattooing...

...that is blacking around the wound.

So it means the bullet was fired...

...from a distance of 18 inches at least.

- My Lord. - [Dr. Jhala] Secondly. Just a minute.

When we examined the skull injury...

...then that injury is at a slant.

Sir, it means the victim's back was facing the assailant.

The bullet was fired from behind.

[Chandu] This means commander Kawas Nanavati is lying.

[Judge] Khandalawala, your witness.

Your Honour, these are the three bullets...

...which killed Prem Ahuja accidentally.

First bullet which hit his chest and got lodged there.

And these two bullets which were found in his bedroom.

Now here's the difference.

Now if you look carefully...

...both these bullets are flattened and bent...

...which is not possible unless they hit a hard surface.

It proves that both bullets rebounded off a hard surface...

...and hit Prem Ahuja.

Which means what? It was an accident out of scuffle.

[Dr. Jhala] Sir, the bullet can rebound and hit for sure.

But its intensity will be so low...

...that it can't cause a fatal haemorrhage.

Dr. Jhala,

what experience do you have in regards to bullet injuries?

Sir, I don't have any experience in bullet injuries.

But as a forensic expert,

I examined Prem Ahuja's entire body thoroughly.

[Ram] But My Lord, we are not discussing just this.

We must first understand the science of Ballistics.

And for that may I please call upon Dr. Y.M. Balliga...

...who is an expert at treating bullet injuries.

- Proceed. - Thank you.

[Dr. Y. M. Balliga] My Lord,

I don't agree with Dr. Jhala's assessment at all.

If the bullet hits after a rebound...

...it could still cause a fatal haemorrhage.

It means the bullet hit the wall.

And then turned and twisted...

...took a U turn and entered the skull.

- [Laughs] - [Hammering]

Is it a bullet or an airplane?

It takes a right turn and a U turn and hit him.

[Ram] My Lord, prosecution is making fun of my witness.

[Judge] Mr. Trivedi, talk about the facts. Please.

Yes. Sorry, My Lord.

Mr. Balliga, do you have any scientific fact...

...to support the opinion you just gave?

I don't have any scientific fact to back my statement.

But there is a possibility of it happening.

Possibility.

You can't pass a verdict on the basis of emotions, right?

There is a possibility that he is lying.

I object. The prosecution has no right...

- ...to insult an expert witness. - Sustained.

My lord, I am not insulting.

If he's an expert witness he should have an expert opinion.

He is just guessing.

I'm speaking out of experience.

My experience is that...

- ...he has accepted money and is testifying. - [Karl] I object.

Chandu Trivedi is crossing every limit...

...and you're not saying anything.

Mr. Trivedi, this is the final warning. Got it?

Sir.

The court will resume tomorrow.

[Hammering]

[Gaps] Oh.

Madam.

Take it.

This... Yes.

You... Come. Come in.

Here?

- Will it do? - Will do.

Sit.

Actually our house is a little small.

It is small but it is a home at least.

Mine is just a house.

Tea.

Yes, Tea, Right.

Coffee?

- Can I get an empty glass? - Sure.

- What are you looking at? - Yes. I'll get it.

- Get that one. - [Mrs. Trivedi] Yes.

For outsiders. For special guests.

[Mamie] Thank you.

You guys go out.

Both. Study. Okay?

[Liquor pouring]

The sofa will arrive by tomorrow.

You're giving me a bit much respect.

Mr. Ram will be jealous.

You deserve it, Mr. Trivedi.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

[Chandu] To Mr. Prem.

[Mamie] By the way, the idea of the skull was brilliant.

Wasn't it?

But Karl won't keep quiet.

In the next hearing he's going to be back with full force.

Come well prepared.

[Ram] We have to be very sure...

...what's going to be prosecution's next move.

What witnesses are they going to get?

We have to be one step ahead.

And I am not fighting this case for justice.

- I'm fighting to win. - Of course you are.

Sir, madam Sylvia is here.

- Please bring her in. - Yes, sir.

They told me the best lawyer of India...

...is handling my husband's case.

And today I got to know that Karl Khandalawala lost a round...

...which was purely based on facts.

How could you be so careless, Mr. Khandalawala?

Why didn't you ensure that your doctor would be confident?

Why didn't you ensure that your husband won't kill your lover?

Action.

Looks like today all my wishes have come true.

But the interesting thing is I have no desires today.

The one who loves life worries about death.

It's just me, me and me.

- [Director] Cut it. - (Applause)

[Man 1] Great shot.

[Clapping]

[Murmuring]

Thank you. Thank you.

Incredible, sir.

Vidhya Joshi.

Thank you very much. Please. Come sit.

So sir, married woman in love?

Too bold?

Well, nothing is bold or taboo for the human mind.

You just need to convince it.

If it can be justified then why not?

It's all good.

Mr. Khanna.

Get a chair.

Please sit.

[Dev] How did you like it?

Mr. Dev, it was just about alright.

Vidhya, this is Mr. Khanna.

Mr. Khanna is our film's distributor.

We'll distribute it. But this movie won't work.

Why not? It eventually will.

If it won't last for a day how will it run eventually?

It will run for years.

Form is only temporary. Class is permanent.

Never mind the class and stuff.

That foreign lady has wreaked havoc.

I'll sign a cheque for you right now.

Make a movie on Nanavati case right now.

You and I. We'll be filthy rich.

This case has everything.

Intimacy, murder, drama, hero, villain and an foreign heroine.

Amazing combination.

Do think about what I said. Nanavati case.

What do you think?

The film will not work?

[Knife cutting]

- Hello. - Hello.

One kilo lamb, right?

No. One kilo will not be enough today.

Today I want a whole goat.

What's the matter? Throwing a party for the entire neighbourhood?

No. Not for eating.

I need it to show.

[Chandu] The prosecution's next witness is...

...ballistic expert Dr. Mohan Bhandge.

[Man 2] Dr. Mohan Bhangde, come to the witness box.

Mr. Bhangde, these two bullets are flattened and bent.

- Have you studied such bullets? - Yes.

So what is the reason for them to be in this shape?

Bullets can flatten or bend because of only one reason.

And that is when the bullet strikes a hard surface.

[Chandu] The defence also says...

...that the bullet rebounded off a hard surface...

...and entered the body.

Look, it's not necessary that it has flattened...

...only because of rebounding.

It can flatten even if it hits a hard bone.

[Chandu] What makes you say it so confidentially?

[Dr. Bhandge] Actually I performed this live experiment...

...by shooting mutton legs from different angles.

See this.

And this also proves...

...that if bullet strikes a hard bone it can flatten.

- Thank you. - Really. Thank you very much.

That's all, sir.

Mr. Khandalawala?

[Ram] Dr. Bhandge. [Dr. Bhandge] - Yes.

[Ram] First of all, I really admire the pains you have taken...

...of proving your point by shooting at mutton legs.

Interesting.

- The bullet can flatten if it strikes the human bone. - Yes.

The bullet can flatten if it hits this table.

Your Honor, the bullet can flatten if it hits your chair.

- Bullet can flatten if it hits wall. Am I right? - Yes.

Dr. Bhandge, put a hand on your heart.

And with all the experience behind you.

It is possible for a bullet in a scuffle to hit the wall...

...and on the rebound enter the human body?

[Ram] I am not asking for a definite answer.

All I am asking is it is possible?

Yes. It is possible. But...

Thank you, Dr. Bhandge.

Chandu.

My lord, now let's talk about the gun...

...that was used in the murder.

[Chandu] Dr. Bhangde,

I want you to show the people here how it works.

This is a semi-automatic gun with six bullet chambers.

And to load the bullet we need to release the chambers first.

Since it's semi-automatic...

...we have to pull the trigger every time we have to fire.

[Chandu] Every time.

[Dr. Bhandge] And we need to apply a pressure of 28 pound...

...at least to pull the trigger.

28 pound pressure.

- Tell me. When two men are in a scuffle. - Yes.

Is a pressure of 28 pounds created?

Not at all. It's not possible.

[Chandu] My lord, three bullets were fired here.

It means a pressure of 28 pounds was created every time.

Okay. It happened once.

Co-incidence.

It fired a second time as well. Height of co-incidence.

And if it fired a third time...

...it's the mount Everest of co-incidence.

[Laughs]

Sorry, sir. I'm sorry.

- Thank you, Dr. Bhandge. - Thank you.

[Ram] You concluded it.

I must say. You have spoken like a true gun expert.

But you didn't provide the entire information.

And for that I would like to call upon arms and ammunition expert...

Mr. Trilok Singh as my next witness, Your Honour.

Mr. Trilok, Dr. Bhangde just told us about this gun in detail.

But I guess he forgot to tell something.

Or his handler forget to tell that this is a double action revolver.

- Am I right? - Yes.

So please tell the jury and the court...

...the meaning of a double action revolver.

The meaning is simple.

In a double action gun, you can fire by pulling the hammer...

...once and the trigger repeatedly.

[Ram] So what Chandu just said that the hammer was pulled thrice.

It is wrong. Right?

[Dr. Trilok] If the gun of this make then it's wrong.

[Ram] Now if we talk about the trigger pressure...

...so is a pressure of 28 pounds necessary every time?

[Dr. Trilok] It is not necessary that you need 28 pounds every time.

You can pull the trigger with a pressure of 11 or 16 pounds.

[Ram] Now tell the entre court.

If two people are having a scuffle...

...can the trigger be pulled with a pressure of 11 or 16 pounds?

[Dr. Trilok] Yes. It can be.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Trilok Singh, have you ever studied this gun?

[Dr. Trilok] Not this gun. But...

...I have studies the gun of similar makes in detail.

What do you do?

I was in the army for 20 years.

And now I repair arms and ammunitions for the army.

So how does that make you an expert of gun and revolver?

My lord, he comes to the court with a story...

...every day with the help of some writer.

The truth is that commander Kawas Nanavati fired three bullets.

One hit the chest. The second went through the two fingers...

...and come out of the ear. And the third one.

When he turned out of fear...

...he brutally fired the third bullet...

...and murdered him.

[Murmuring]

That's all.

Kawas Nanavati is the hero of this nation.

He killed a man because of me.

The entire nation wants him out.

Now we all know.

To prove a hero right you need a villain.

So I am ready to become one.

Mr. Khandalawala.

Mr. Karanjia, do whatever it takes to save my husband.

Even if you have to make the cruellest witch of this country.

Free Kawas.

Release Kawas.

Characterless woman.

She looks hot. Madam exchange with me too.

Doing dark deeds covering under a white saree.

Shame on you, characterless woman.

[Announcement] Sylvia Kawas Nanavati, enter the court.

Sylvia, don't do this please.

I have to do this.

[Karl] Mrs. Nanavati.

Please tell the court and the honorable jury.

When and where did you meet commander for the first time?

I met and married Kawas Nanavati in 1949.

[Sylvia] Port Smith England.

I am living in India since I returned, the very same year.

And after how many years of your marriage,

did you meet Prem Ahuja?

After seven years of marriage.

What was your relationship with Prem Ahuja?

[Karl] How were you related?

I was infatuated with him.

[Sylvia] He could sense that,

so he started giving me a lot of attention.

How was your married life, before you met Prem Ahuja?

It was perfect and happy,

before I came to know Prem Ahuja.

Then what changed, after you met Prem?

He made marriage proposal to me, before getting intimate.

[Sylvia] After getting intimate,

he avoided the subject whenever it came up in conversation.

[Karl] Mrs. Nanavati,

were there any causes of unhappiness, in your marriage?

Were you sad? Were you unhappy?

Was the commander being infidel? Or was he with other women?

No.

[Karl] Mrs. Nanavati, please tell the court.

What happened on April 27th for lunch?

We were sitting in our bedroom.

Kawas tried to touch me.

I told him not to.

I did not like him.

Mrs. Nanavati, he is your husband.

[Karl] Why would you not like him?

I was infatuated with Prem at that time.

[Sylvia] Just did not feel the same for him anymore.

[Karl] Then what happened?

He asked me, if I was in love with anyone else?

And I said yes.

[Sylvia] He wanted to know who he was.

I couldn't tell him.

He asked whether it was Prem Ahuja.

I said yes.

Were you unfaithful to your husband?

Yes.

[Karl] Were you sleeping with other men?

Only Prem Ahuja.

And if I may ask,

how many times did you sleep with Prem Ahuja?

Enough.

[Murmurs]

Mrs. Nanavati. You can avoid this question if you want.

No, I will answer this question.

I slept with Prem Ahuja about 10 times.

[Murmurs]

Where?

[Sylvia] Mostly at his place.

Few times at a hotel.

[Karl] Mrs. Nanavati, is it fair to say...

...that you have been cheating on your husband?

In spite of the fact that he has been faithful and given you...

...such a happy married life.

Yes.

And how did you husband react to you being unfaithful?

Suddenly got up,

he said he wanted to go Prem Ahuja's place.

And square things up.

I got very alarmed and I begged him not to go.

I said, please don't go, he might shoot you.

[Karl] Wait a second. What did you just say?

Don't go, because Prem will shoot you.

Did Prem have a gun?

Yes.

[Murmurs]

[Karl] Now Mrs. Nanavati.

When you said, don't go because Prem will shoot you.

Because he was carrying a gun.

What did the Commander say?

He said don't bother about me.

[Sylvia] Doesn't matter.

In anyways I will shoot myself.

Did the commander ask you,

whether you were going to marry Prem Ahuja and...

...look after the children?

Yes.

What was your answer?

I avoided that question.

[Sylvia] Since I was too ashamed to admit that,

I felt that Prem was avoiding marrying me.

[Karl] Mrs. Nanavati.

Mamie Ahuja, sister of Prem Ahuja.

Was she an active participant in your extra marital affair?

- Yes. - [Karl] How?

She used to cover up things for us.

[Sylvia] Many times I would tell my family...

...that I am going to meet Mamie.

So was it correct to say that,

the man you were having an affair with.

Prem Ahuja was using you.

- Yes. - [Mamie] Shut up.

Just shut up. She is lying.

- Miss Ahuja. - My brother loved her.

He wanted to marry her, she is lying.

[Judge RB Mehta] Miss Ahuja, I am warning you,

I will hold you in contempt of court.

Sit down.

She is lying.

[Gavel striking]

Lunch break.

[Karl] I must admit, there in the court room.

There is only one brave person and that is you Sylvia.

You should have been my first witness,

but I must warn you.

Be prepared.

[Karl] Next session the prosecution will come hard at you.

I am ready.

I had never imagined that Sylvia, can stoop so low.

Ram, she will rot in hell.

Mamie your anger is justified.

But we have to focus on the case now.

First you tell me, did Prem have a gun?

[Chandu] Did Prem Ahuja have his own gun?

[Mamie] No, he did not have any gun of his own.

Nor did he have any license for arms.

[Chandu] Does that mean Sylvia Nanavati was lying?

Yes, she is. Whatever she has spoken in the court today,

everything was a lie.

[Mamie] Mr. Judge, my bother loved her.

And wanted to marry her.

Yes of course.

Maybe they would have even fixed the wedding date.

The cards would have been printed.

My brother had told me. That he would marry her.

When we went to Agra.

[Mamie] She was with us.

- Please lower you voice. - No.

[Karl] Your honor she is lying.

She is the victim's sister.

My lord that is exactly my point.

Except that Sylvia Nanavati is lying.

[Chandu] Lover is dead,

husband is going to go to jail, and she has three kids.

Now she wants to save her husband as she has to manage 3 kids.

[Judge RB Mehta] Mr. Trivedi, don't assume things.

I will not accept that she is a liar,

just because you are saying it.

Do you have any proof?

[Clock clicking]

Mr. Trivedi?

[Clock clicking]

[Murmurs]

- [Murmurs] - [Judge RB Mehta] Silence.

Sorry to intervene my lord.

Prosecution want to cross examine Mrs. Sylvia Nanavati.

Mr. Jethmalani, you are sitting on a watching brief.

You have no right to request such a things.

I know my lord, but we have a technical problem.

Public prosecutor Trivedi is not well versed in English.

And Mrs. Sylvia Nanavati speaks only in English.

Can only understand English.

So I am proposing this to save the time of the court.

All the questions are given by Mr. Chandu.

- Okay. - I object my lord.

- You cannot allow this. - Over ruled.

[Judge RB Mehta] Proceed Mr. Jethmalani.

[Ram] Mrs. Nanavati, in your statement you mentioned that.

You didn't want Kawas to go to Prem Ahuja's house.

Because you were afraid that, Prem might shoot him.

- Is that correct? - Yes.

When did you see the gun?

On our trip to Agra.

So you did go to Agra. Nice.

Did you ever see the gun before or after that day?

I don't remember.

Mrs. Nanavati, I am a little confused.

And I am sure,

everybody else in this court is equally confused.

[Ram] On one hand,

you were afraid that Prem Ahuja might shoot your husband.

On the other hand you decided to watch a comedy film.

[Sylvia] Movie with my children was already planned.

I am sure you can understand,

it is not easy to explain these things to the children.

So, as I had promised I took them to the cinema.

You mentioned that...

...Prem Ahuja changed a month or two after your...

...intimate relationship.

[Ram] Why did you continue meeting him?

We had not come to any conclusion on the question of marriage.

We just let it drift.

But you were determined to marry him.

No.

It was just infatuation.

[Ram] Right my lord.

Mrs. Nanavati is saying that her relation with Prem Ahuja.

Was a mere infatuation.

They were just fond of each other.

They never intended to marry.

But I have some letters.

Which says another story.

These are some heart felt soulful passionate love letters.

Written by Mrs. Nanavati to her then lover Prem Ahuja.

Is that your hand writing?

- Yes. - These are your letters, right?

Thank you.

My lord, I want permission to read this letter...

- ...for you and the jury. - I object my lord.

These are very personal letters.

[Karl] I request you not to,

let the prosecution read them out in court.

Mr. Jethmalani.

What is this?

I am sorry my lord.

The wife is present here. Husband is here.

[Ram] Parents are here.

Whatever, is happening in this court room.

They are discussing at the bus stop, railway station.

At the tea stall, at a chawl, at a high rise, everywhere.

Unfortunately all the people associated with this case.

Their lives are like an open book.

And trust me, this will be less embarrassing than,

my learned friend, asking Mrs. Nanavati.

How many times has she, slept with Prem Ahuja.

[Murmurs]

- Proceed. - Thank you sir.

[Opening of letters]

[Class breaking]

Sir, it broke.

Just a minute.

Do you mind reading this out for me?

Please.

[Sylvia] March 1959.

Prem my darling.

Here is a letter I wrote last May.

Louder, please.

Jury needs to hear you.

When I wrote I meant every word.

[Sylvia] I still do.

There is nothing as important as my being with you.

I know, you are in doubt of the truth of that.

Believe me when I say, I love you.

As I never loved anyone else.

[Sobs]

Call me mad.

Whatever you like.

And you believe me.

I know in my heart.

I love you, is not a passing phase.

It is for always.

You are daily becoming dearer to me.

Sweetheart. These last days.

Something has happened to me.

I love you so much.

I want to be with you so much that,

everything else seems quite unimportant.

Only God knows, how much I want to be with you.

How much I want to belong to you.

Ache in my heart is intolerant.

I can't see myself without you.

If you really want me.

Really think I can make you happy.

Happier than anyone else could.

I am yours.

Think carefully before you decide.

This is what I am.

If you want such a person.

As I...

To be the mother of your children.

That is all I want.

There can be no returning as once the step is taken.

[Sylvia] And in all fairness if you decide.

I am not good for you.

You deserve far better.

[Sobs]

But if I were you and I really, really want.

Without a doubt.

[Sylvia] Just say the words I love you Sylvia.

[Crying]

That will be all, my lord.

[Sobs]

[Karl] Kawas you wanted to talk.

What is the strategy of our last case hearing?

Well that's already done.

There is no need for you to worry.

Don't bother.

I am bothered.

The way you called my wife to the witness box.

And asked questions. It was humiliating.

[Kawas] Prosecution too did not ask such questions.

So I am bothered.

And I want to know.

I know you are upset and I understand that.

But what I did at the court too was very important.

It was important to show that Kawas Nanavati,

is not a killer but a hero.

But Kawas is dead now.

And you killed him.

This Kawas Nanavati.

This is made by you.

Because Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati can never say.

That I wanted to kill myself.

And I refuse to take any more humiliation.

Mrs. Nanavati.

Please explain to your husband that whatever we have done,

has been for his benefit.

She is not a lawyer. You are the f***ing lawyer.

What is the strategy of the last hearing?

I want to know each and every word.

[Flipping paper sound]

[Paper crushing sound]

[File's tapping]

[Judge RB Mehta] All the evidence...

...and witness of this case have been presented.

Detailed investigation too has been done.

And jury too, knows almost all the facts.

I think we should conclude.

My lord, you are absolutely right.

No wonder you are there and I am here.

Then Mr. Trivedi should I conclude.

Yes my lord, I am coming to that.

I want for the jury...

...and all the people present here.

I want to highlight all the important things.

Not everyone is as experienced and matured as you are.

Okay, hurry up.

Prosecution wants to call Lieutenant JD Cooper.

[JD Cooper] My name is Lieutenant JD Cooper.

And I work in the ammunition depot of the Navy.

On 27th April,

was .38 Smith and Wesson,

Navy service revolver given to Commander Kawas Nanavati.

- [Chandu] On your orders? - Yes.

Were you aware why he needed the gun?

[JD Cooper] No I did not know that.

- Was he on duty? - No.

Did you not suspect?

Why an off duty Navy officer needed a gun?

- I was just following the orders. - Orders?

On whose insistence?

[Chandu] Captain Kohli.

Were you aware why Commander Kawas Nanavati...

...needed a service revolver.

He told me he was going away from the city.

And he might need his service revolver for self-defence.

My lord Commander Kawas Nanavati lied and issued the gun.

Because he has never been out of Bombay nor had plans.

Thank you.

Mr. Khandalawala, do you want to ask?

Or should we proceed further?

[Karl] As per the weapon issuing records.

Before 27th April.

Commander has issued guns 4 times.

Am I right.

[Kohli] His regular practice.

Officers are issued with their personal weapons.

As and when required sir.

If at that time Commander, came to you and said.

My wife is having an affair.

[Karl] And I am feeling very depressed.

I wish to end my life.

Then would you issue that gun?

Never.

Thank you captain Kohli.

You may go now.

Anjani,

[Chandu] you opened the door to Commander Kawas Nanavati...

...who was standing out with a brown envelope?

And he directly went to Prem's bedroom, correct?

What happened after that?

[Anjani] After some time I heard a bullet shot from upstairs.

And I ran upstairs.

After how much time did you hear the bullet shot?

He just went up and bang, bang.

We know about the shots.

[Chandu] I am asking, how long after he went upstairs,

did you hear the bullet shots?

10-20seconds.

Only 10-20 seconds?

But defence said there was a conversation.

Then a fight,

in which the bullets were shot accidentally.

The bullets touched a hard surface and then entered Prem Ahuja.

[Chandu] And all this is just 10-20 seconds.

Please think and answer.

Or Mr. Karl will be displeased.

[Anjani] Sir, I am just saying what the truth is.

Mr. Karl.

Mr. Anjani.

[Murmurs]

Mr. Anjani. I called you twice.

What was the difference between both?

There was no difference, maybe of one or two seconds.

Your honor, it was precisely eight seconds.

[Karl] And by this he is proved,

that his sense of timing is a bit backward.

I have heard there are no watches in the villages.

People calculate their time by watching the sun rays.

Guess work.

Exactly like, how you did right now.

Correct.

- Do you wear watches? - No sir.

Then how did you say,

so confidently that it took 10 to 20 seconds?

[Anjani] I was guessing it.

And the assumption can also be wrong.

[Karl] Especially when someone has lost his life at home.

[Karl] Miss Ahuja.

When you entered your brother's room.

Then what did you see?

I saw my brother was lying dead in a pool of blood.

And Kawas was standing in front of him.

[Mamie] And there was a gun in his hand.

[Karl] Why do you think that the commander killed your brother?

Why do I think?

[Mamie] My brother was lying in a pool of blood...

...and he had a gun in his hand.

Did you see him shoot?

I heard the sound of three bullets.

The bullets were fired.

In fact that is the only one thing that...

...the prosecution and defence agree about.

But the question here is.

Did you see him shoot?

- Objection my lord. - Over ruled.

[Judge RB Mehta] Miss Ahuja, please answer to the question.

I did not see him killing my brother.

[Mamie] But I know.

He killed my brother.

[Sobbing]

[Karl] Nobody is bothered about what you know miss Ahuja.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

[Sobbing]

[Chandu] Officer Lobo.

When on 27th April, commander Kawas Nanavati confessed to you.

[Chandu] Were there any stains or marks on his clothes?

Of soil, mud or dirt?

Were his clothes torn from anywhere?

No, not at all.

[Lobo] Commander had worn a white shirt.

And it was perfectly clean.

Any blood stains? Blood spots?

No. not at all. His clothes were spic and span.

Any cuts on the face or head?

No.

My lord, a man had a scuffle.

The person in front bore three bullets.

Yet, there was not a single spot on his clothes.

Is it possible?

[Chandu] It can be, if they did not scuffle.

Or the gun was shot from a distance.

When Commander Kawas Nanavati went to meet Prem Ahuja.

Prem Ahuja was in a towel.

There was a scuffle between them.

And the towel was intact.

[Judge RB Mehta] Defence any arguments?

[Karl] Officer Logo.

What time did you leave home today?

Around seven in the morning.

Where did you go after leaving home?

Around eight I dropped my kids to school.

[Lobo] Then I went to the police station for a meeting.

Then to complete some paper work I went to police headquarters.

Then I directly come here to the court.

So from eight in the morning till now.

You have travelled around 20 kilometers.

Yes, you can say that.

Do you travel in a car or a motor cycle?

Motor cycle.

Yet your clothes are spic and span.

[Karl] It seems you have directly come from home.

Anyways I have read your statement.

You have written...

...that the commander's clothes were spic and span.

And there was a mark on his hand.

Yes, now that you mention it.

[Lobo] My apologies your honor. I forgot to inform.

Yes there was a mark on commander's wrist. You are right.

[Karl] It is okay. Happens at times.

Can you explain the mark?

It was like a scratch.

[Lobo] A small, fresh wound.

Officer Lobo, speak with your experience.

Can such a wound be made,

like when there is a scuffle between two people?

Absolutely can happen.

But along with it,

because of the scuffle the clothes might get stained.

You have already spoken about the clothes.

[Karl] They were spic and span.

- Yes. - But thank you for explaining the wound.

[Clapping]

Hello.

- Menon. - Yes Mr. Pundit.

Listen to me very carefully.

Yes.

Are you sure Mr. Pundit?

[Phone ringing]

Hello.

Yes sir.

Menon sir, this has never happened before?

Our Naval Commander has never been to jail on charges of murder.

- Okay sir. - Thank you.

[News Reporter] Sir.

Sir, the chief of Navy has come to court for the first time today.

So, don't you think this risks the image and reputation of Navy?

No.

In fact I have come to save the image...

...and reputation of the same Navy,

you are so concerned about.

But sir...

[Katari] I know Kawas since he was a trainee.

A young, passionate and a dedicated 20 years old boy...

...willing to do anything for his country.

[Katari] Calm, composed and focused.

When I came to know of this incident...

...I felt like someone is joking.

No one can even think or imagine...

...that Commander Nanavati can kill a civilian.

I refuse to believe this bright officer...

...can commit a murder.

The death if Prem Ahuja is everything...

...but a murder.

[Murmuring]

Hold yourself, Nani.

This is a war, and you are going to win this war.

It's time to conclude.

Where is Mr. Trivedi?

Here I am. Sorry. Sorry.

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.

Sorry.

[Sighs] I know I have transgressed the honor of the court...

...by entering the court like this.

[Chandu] But what can I do, I had no other option? I was helpless.

I walked here from the canteen just now.

My towel came untied around 10-15 times.

And the Defence is saying that they became physical.

[Chandu] The man died, but his towel never got untied.

I had gone around to express that point.

And I will conclude it now.

Mr. Trivedi, you want to conclude in these clothes?

- What if your towel fell down? - [Laughs]

[Judge] Mr. Trivedi, please conclude.

[Chandu] They related such a story to you.

A man loved a woman so he was called a playboy.

My lord, I sympathize with every member in the jury.

It is not easy to leave your jobs, business, homes...

...and sit in this court for 8 hours a day.

But only you are the people...

...who can bring out the truth of this case in front of the court.

Otherwise, they are great people with complete plans.

They are all dedicated to wrap your ideas...

...around with meticulous planning.

We will have to buy it from the market...

...but they get copies of Blitz free at home.

Don't I know that?

My lord, they printed the truth in a lie worth 25 paisa...

...and sold it for 4 rupees.

Great officers of the navy came and said here...

...as to how much Commander Kawas Nanavati...

...had served the country a lot. He had won a lot of medals, etc.

He has served the country, he will be rewarded.

He has committed a murder, he will be punished.

That's simple.

The hearings of this case and all its dates...

...why did Kawas Nanavati attend them in uniform?

So that he can impress you.

So that he can divert you from facts and evidence.

[Chandu] But for a moment, forget his uniform.

Forget his medals.

Ignore his service to the country for some time and think.

Because I don't feel that you can be influenced.

I don't think you could be bought.

I don't think doubts can be raised in their minds...

...because all the evidence is saying...

...Commander Kawas Nanavati lied,

got the gun went to prem Ahuja's home and shot him.

This... [Laughs]

I am not the only one saying that. I am not the only one saying that.

The gun lying there. It knows that it was a murder.

Even the 3 bullets that were shot into Prem Ahuja...

...knew that it was a murder.

That towel also knows that it was a murder.

Even the prosecution says that it was a murder. And...

Look at how he is sitting there. So innocent.

Serving the nation.

That fierce commander also knew that it was a murder.

Evidence, witness and intentions...

...this hero an officer who is husband...

...but couldn't please his wife so he went to her lover's home.

And killed him.

Sorry, I shouted, my lord.

Forgive me. I rest my case.

[Applause]

- Silence. - [Thumps]

[Clear throat]

27th April, 1959, a man dies. Unfortunate.

It shouldn't have happened.

I wish he was alive.

And today he should have undergone a trial in this court.

For luring vulnerable women...

...for his passion for lust.

Your honor, when I was growing up...

...all my father told me was...

...that if you ever get a chance to serve your country...

...then never step back.

I am not fighting this case...

...for Commander Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati.

No, your honor.

I am fighting this case for a man...

...who represents the honor of this country.

I am fighting this case for my country, your honor.

No man saw what happened in Prem Ahuja's room that day.

Everybody is talking about what could have happened.

But whom should we believe?

That man sitting right there...

...who was present there at that particular point of time.

Or the possibilities of the witnesses of the prosecution.

I want to ask the members of the jury...

...that if you were there instead of Commander Nanavati...

...and a playboy like Prem Ahuja had seduced your wife...

...and used her for his advantage then what could you have done?

[Karl] Will it not make you angry?

But my client did not, your honor?

Being a man of integrity, that he is...

...he chose to go and reason it out with Prem Ahuja.

And he asked him, that will you marry my wife...

...and look after the children?

And what was the response he got?

[Karl] Mr. Chandu.

I do not marry every woman I sleep with.

Your honor, courage and tolerance is what it takes...

...to face a man who breaks a home.

And that is what Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati...

...had given to the men of this nation.

People like Prem Ahuja are going to think a hundred times...

...before they take advantage of a vulnerable woman.

By the rules of our criminal justice system...

...benefit of doubt should be given to the accused, your honor.

And in fact in all of this I would like to blame the police.

What were they doing?

Could they not see the marks of the bullet on the wall?

They have investigated this case in the most naive manner.

A little like college going boys.

And why should my client suffer because of the police?

And why should my client suffer because of their careless attitude?

Coming to Ms. Mamie Ahuja.

She has lost her brother.

But she has tried to gain a lot of sympathy outside the court.

I don't understand why.

Didn't she know her brother's character?

Was she not a mediator between Sylvia and her brother, Prem Ahuja?

Your honor, I want to ask that question.

Your honor, her brother was a victim of his own misdeeds.

Sylvia Nanavati, your honor.

I wish to say nothing about her.

Here is a woman who has errored...

...and has spoken openly in this court...

...about her infatuation towards Prem Ahuja.

In fact, hers might have been a terrible trial...

...to come and stand here in the witness box and answer...

...all the difficult questions directed towards her.

Prem Ahuja tainted a very pure relationship...

...between a husband and a wife.

And Sylvia Nanavati fell prey to that.

Your honor, I shudder to think...

...as to what will happen to this nation...

...if people like the Commander will be placed behind bars.

We have just broken free from the shackles of the British Raj.

We are literally on the verge of a war with China.

And here is a commander,

who is sitting for months on end in this courtroom...

...for absolutely no fault of his.

Here is a man of the defence forces...

...who has gone out for months on end...

...putting his life on the line for this country.

And if these are the men...

...whose homes and wives are to be toyed with...

...what else do we have left?

It's not about me winning or losing this case, your honor.

It's about this one question.

And the question is...

...that who gave men like Prem Ahuja the right...

...to take advantage of the vulnerability of a woman.

I... I request my lord...

...and the honorable members of the jury...

...to please make a wise decision.

I ask...

...for no sympathy or no mercy.

As my client has not committed any crime.

Commander Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati...

...is not guilty, your honor.

He is not guilty.

Thank you. That will be all.

[Applause]

Silence!

[Judge] After listening to the conclusions of both the counsels...

...till the jury reaches its decision,

the court is adjourned.

[Thumps]

[Murmuring]

Let's vote.

Yes, father.

Let's vote.

Write down your own decisions, Shaan sir.

[Announcement] All rise, honorable judge is entering the court.

[Judge RB Mehta] Jury members.

In the case of Nanavati V/S Maharashtra state.

Under section 302 IPC,

Commander Kawas Nanavati, has been charged with murder.

Is your decision ready?

Yes my lord. It's ready.

Munshi, collect their envelopes.

And to all the council present here and to all the people.

Tell the court, what is the final verdict of the jury?

The decision of the jury is...

...that the accused Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati is...

Not guilty.

[Clapping and cheering]

Not guilty.

Our Kawas has been released.

[Cheering]

[Phone ringing]

Not guilty.

Yes.

Sir.

Yes.

The jury has given the final verdict.

Say it damn it. Not guilty.

Yes sir, not guilty.

Fantastic.

[Man] Good news Mr. Bhushan.

- Not guilty. - Wonderful.

- This is it. Poor guy got saved. - [Applause]

- Of course, poor guy. - [Applause]

[Cheering]

- [Judge RB Mehta] Order. - [Gavel striking]

Silence.

Silence.

On this chair I have,

heard many verdicts of the jury.

In some cases the jury has given historical decisions.

In some cases average.

But this verdict.

Is no verdict.

[Murmurs]

[Judge RB Mehta] This is a blot on the concept of verdict system.

I declare this verdict as perverse, illegal,

the one which makes mockery of the entire justice system.

I, justice R.B. Mehta.

Over turn this verdict.

[Murmurs]

And recommend this case to be tried again.

In the Bombay high court.

- [Murmurs] - [Gavel striking]

Your honor, are you serious?

Is all of this a big joke?

Let me remind you, you have no role to play in the jury's verdict.

You are over stepping your judicial rights.

[Judge RB Mehta] Yes Mr. Khandalawala.

Only when the jury is in unanimity.

And in this case. The jury is not unanimous.

8 of the 9 jurors, have voted, Not guilty.

But 1 juror has said Guilty.

[Murmurs]

[Judge RB Mehta] And for your information...

...in case of a fractured verdict.

I have a bigger role than you to play.

And using my legal powers, I order.

This case to be re-trialled in the honorable Bombay High Court.

And send Commander Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati...

...into police custody.

[Karl] Our Honor you are making a big mistake.

It seems like your chair is tilting in the favor of prosecution.

It is in the same direction.

Sir, what is this?

A lawyer of the stature of Mr. Khandalawala.

Is questioning the judgement of an honorable judge?

Mr. Jethmalani, you are at watching brief.

Not a prosecution lawyer. So you better shut up.

- You shut up. - Silence.

My decision is final.

And now I will not hear any arguments from any council.

Till the stenographer doesn't type my order.

[Reporter 1] Mr. Nehru, is it true that you have ordered,

the army into the disputed border of china?

It is just a security protocol.

[Reporter 2] Mr. Nehru, don't you think...

...China can attack as a reaction?

Well we have good relations with China.

Since we supported the veto power to China.

In the United Nations.

[Reporter 3] Mr. Nehru,

I have a question regarding the Nanavati case.

Sir Menon will answer that question.

Ladies and gentleman please excuse me.

Sir we have heard, even after being convicted,

Commander Nanavati,

is in the naval custody instead of jail.

May I know, why is the government favoring him?

It is not about favor.

Commander Nanavati's appeal is still pending at the Supreme court.

According to the request of the Navy.

State government has decided to let him be at the naval custody.

[Miss Chatterjee] Sir, we have heard that the governor of Maharashtra,

Mr. Prakash has been pressurized. To give this decision.

Would you like to say something about it?

Miss Chatterjee.

Now a days you have been hearing to a lot of rumors.

Get your facts cleared.

There will be no more questions, thank you very much.

[Murmurs]

Is she going to become a saint?

People try to experiment a lot when they are lonely.

Mamie has become a devotee of Satya Sai Baba.

Just one court case has turned her into this?

Imagine what will happen to us.

I don't know about you.

But I have become thick skinned fighting with the navy guys.

[Ram] Watch how many people, I send into a trance in future.

[Ram] How are you?

Shall we go?

[Judge] Session court, High court, and in the Supreme court.

On the basis of evidence.

This court has come to this conclusion.

That Prem Ahuja,

...was willing to marry Sylvia Nanavati.

After shooting, Kawas Nanavati, did not disclose to anyone.

That he shot the bullet accidentally.

His statement of the scuffle is very fake.

According to the attitude of Kawas Nanavati,

it is very clear.

That this murder was pre-planned.

This court charges Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati.

Guilty for murder.

Under the section of 302, under the Indian penal court.

And upholds the sentence given...

...by the High court of life imprisonment.

And he should be immediately transferred to the Arthur road jail.

The court is adjourned.

[Gavel striking]

[Murmurs]

Have you forgotten the way to your house,

or have come to my house?

Seven years have passed since my first wedding...

...and four since the second.

The time to take a champagne home has passed by.

But what are we celebrating?

Our victory.

[mamie] After so many months of winning,

you thought of celebrating today.

Case is over for you.

For me it is still going on.

What do you mean it is still going on?

[Ram] Don't you know?

Bhai Pratap is still in jail.

High court has rejected his appeal.

Difficult to get him out.

Extended his sentence for 15 months to five years.

But why?

Bhai Pratap is a famous personality among the Sindhi's.

He was with you during the justice for Prem.

Because of that.

Ram please do something.

Anyhow do something...

...Bhai Pratap is like a father to me.

There is a way but leave it.

I want to know.

I have come here to celebrate the victory of Prem.

Cheers.

[Glass clinking]

I want to know. What is it?

You will not be able to do it.

Ram please.

Don't worry about the money, I will sort that out.

[Mamie] But anyhow get Bhai Pratap out.

This letter has come from the office of the governor of Maharashtra.

They are willing to release Bhai Pratap.

If you...

...sign on the mercy petition of Kawas Nanavati.

- [Glass breaking] - Get up, Get out.

- I told you. - Get out.

Bombay Central Jail

[Door opens]

[Door opens]

[Song playing]

[Chandu] In the State V/S Nanavati, this was the final turn.

On public demand the governor of Maharashtra,

Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit accepted the mercy petition...

...of Kawas Maneckshaw Nanavati.

Mamie Ahuja the sister of the deceased Prem Ahuja.

Signed the mercy petition, and along with Kawas Nanavati...

...and well known business men, Bhai Pratap.

Were pardoned by it.

It is known by reliable sources...

...that in this whole process of the mercy petition...

...famous lawyer Ram Jethamalani, played a very important role.

[Laughs]

Finally, bro Ram is in the pages of history.

He is a great player.

People will remember Ram Jethamalani for the next hundred years.

My mentor.

Sir. One last question.

After so many, can ask one more.

End it.

Sir, you have already said everything.

About the case, about, you know, your role, your expertise.

But sir, there is one thing about which I don't know yet.

That why do I have so many questions in my head? Is it?

No sir. It isn't that.

Sir, you are 96. And I want to know sir,

how do you have such a long life?

Is it because of the court?

Or the two wives, which you have sir?

You are asking me, how I managed two wives and still lived till 96?

- No sir, I did not mean... - Nilesh, you are a misogynist.

And the future is female. Get your act together.

Sorry sir.

Still don't get my sense of humor.

It was a joke.

I play badminton. two hours a day.

Except for today. Because you have delayed me.

Oops so sorry.

I am off now.

Unless you don't want me to live anymore.

Go home.

[Phone ringing]

Yes.

[Man 1] Sir, adultery is no longer a crime.

So Supreme court strikes down section 497.

[Laughs]

So the narrative has changed.

- [Ram] The future is female.

[Theme song playing]