This case commentary is written by Kunda Mulenga, a 3rd-year law student at the University of Zambia. She is a passionate law student who aims to learn and explore laws around the globe.
ABSTRACT
The case K. M Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra raised pivotal questions about the interpretation of murder versus culpable homicide not amounting to murder, the right to a fair trial, and the role of societal biases in judicial outcomes. Initially tried by a jury, Nanavati was acquitted amidst significant public sympathy. However, the Bombay High Court set aside the jury’s verdict, citing legal errors and societal influences, and convicted Nanavati under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. This case is historically significant as it marked the abolition of the jury system in India, highlighting its susceptibility to emotional and public influence. It also showcased the intersection of media, public sentiment, and the judicial process in post-colonial India.
