The historic case of KM Nanavati vs State of Maharashtra

Solution

K.M Nanavati was 34 years old when his life turned upside down. He was a naval officer and married to Sylvia. He lived in Mumbai with his wife and children. In the absence of Nanavati due to loneliness Sylvia started meeting his friend Prem Ahuja and fell in love. On 27th April, 1959 Sylvia confesses to her husband, that she was in love with Ahuja and also expressed her fear that Ahuja did not want to marry her. Then Nanavati went to Prem Ahuja’s house to ask whether he wanted to marry Sylvia and take care of the children but he refused. In anger Nanavati shot 3 bullets in his body and he died. This was an open case, received lots of media coverage and finally the jury verdict went in favour of Nanavati. Bombay High Court, Judge overruled the verdict of the jury and found Nanavati guilty of murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment. He got out of the Prison three years later. The case proved that an influenced panel of jury could be dangerous, as it abolished the jury system.