The Devil's Advocate

September  5, 2015

Location: Madras High Court.

The day the nation has been waiting for, anticipating the judgement on “Devaki Nandhan vs Government of India”. The case had been taken under the Fast Track Scheme, after direct intervention from both the Central and State Governments into it, thereby absorbing utmost pressure from all print, news, online and social media.

Devaki Nandhan:

She was calm and appeared to be relaxed after 3 hectic months of court proceedings. There wasn’t a hint of sadness in her when she stepped inside the courtroom for probably one last and final time in her life. Initially it had been very difficult for her – it took days for her, to even speak her first word in court. The trauma after that long bad night and the humiliation that she faced after being convicted for the same, had given her suicidal thoughts very often. She broke down, gave up all hope, tried and failed. Twice. Such things only happen in India. A rape victim getting convicted for a defamation case against the rapist, only because he was the grandson of the honorable Home Minister. Even the media was reluctant to bring to light, the false accusation claimed by the Government. She refused to speak to anyone, not even her parents. Only one man made some sincere attempts to make her speak, dress up, walk and show up once again. Because he was the one whom she always listened to, someone who would bring down anything under the sun for her.

Kailash:

Like every other day, he entered the room with a smile. He never seemed to be 30 and young women couldn’t stop having a second look at him. He was unmarried though. He knew her like his right hand for the last 12 years. It was quite unfortunate because he had to step up in pursuit of his best friend. This must have been the debut that he had always dreamt of, in his career. When he first came into the courtroom, he had a tinge of nerves. But today, he felt unfathomed by all the attention that the case had been getting, throughout the trial. He had given his best effort in acquitting her and at the same time trying to convict the rapist. His arguments were intact with all circumstantial evidences pronounced at the right measure. However, apart from all the legal battle, there was a personal battle running too, in his mind. He was opposite Madhavan Menon, his guru, mentor and a father figure whom ­­Kailash had assisted as a lawyer and worshipped for the last couple of years.

Madhavan Menon:

One of the best leading advocates in India. With a success rate of more than 90%, he was the most sought-after person for anyone who wanted a reprieve from the clutches of law and order. He was a charismatic personality, someone who was in the limelight forever. Media took due care and attention of him and never missed even half a chance to get some petty news about him. Very recently, he had made a complaint to the local police about his 6.35 mm pistol that was missing. There was an article about it in the 11^th page of a leading newspaper. He had a bunch of highly talented juniors and it was a privilege to work under him. Kailash was one of them who joined him after being inspired by his golden words. 

“Justice should prevail at any cost. It should neither be denied nor delayed.  Even if you are on the losing side, make sure that you are true to your conscience and in line with justice” 

He lived by example and always stood by what he spoke.

Unfortunately, not in “Devaki Nandhan vs Government of India”.

It was forged. Ridiculous. He was waiting for an interesting case to sign off and that’s how he ended up on the wrong doer’s side.

“Good luck to you, my boy!”

Madhavan used to say this to him on the morning of every day in court. And in the evenings, Kailash would meet him up and say,

“Thank you for everything!” and at times, fell on his toes.

His defense was ferocious and he was very serious about each and every word that he spoke. He argued, counter-attacked and kept his teacher quiet on most of the days. Madhavan often gaped in pride about the proficiency and attitude of his student. It was a very important day for both of them. 

One wanted to end his career on a high. And one wanted to bring justice to his friend and in turn, kick start his career.

Even a layman with fair knowledge and understanding of the proceedings would claim an easy win for Kailash and Devaki.  But that’s how severe law can get, at times. Justice was denied. The girl was convicted for defamation. The monster was set free. Media started to howl like anything, with newly found freedom as usual.

“It’s not about winning. He did really well. Good lad, tried his best. Even I didn’t expect the verdict to go my way. Not a bad attempt to start himself at the big stage. Better luck next time!”, Madhavan commented on, when asked about Kailash.

Kailash was fully charged up and shouted back with haste and anger,

“Don’t speak another word. You taught me something called conscience and truth. But you never followed anything here. It’s a shame that I served you and learned my way here following your footsteps. It was not about justice. For you, it was only about making money and settling for life. I don’t want to see you again. Never ever come back to this place, Get lost, old man. Good bye!”

“May be, this is the last time you have misunderstood me. It wasn’t money. Not fame. Not farewell. Nothing in this world comes close to protecting your loved ones. We will meet again very soon.”, he replied.

“In your dreams.”

A few days later…

Kailash received a text from Devaki.

“Im leavn Chennai @ 10:30 tonyt. Need 2 talk wid yo. Pls cum ovr. Vil be waitn 4 yo @ Central.”

They almost had an hour to speak. But, both were blank. They saw each other eye-to-eye, perhaps a lot of words were exchanged through them. Kailash had tears and straightly admitted how disappointed he was about the verdict.

“I am sorry Deva. I should have done better.”

“Idiot. No worries. You have always given beyond your best for me. Thank you so much for everything in life. So much for all your love and affection. You taught me to live life on my terms. Even after all the indignity and pain that night and all the nights after that have given me, I am bold and confident right now. I am more than just alive, all because of you. Only you. I owe this second life to you and I will prove to everyone else why I am to survive.”

He was running tears all through his face and other people started noticing the two. She continued.

“Don’t break down now. Just like how you will tell me every single time when I broke down, ‘All is well. Cheer up, idiot!’ Stay in touch. I must leave now.”

“Hmmm.. Delhi? That’s where you belong. Follow your heart and come back in the way I wanted to see you. No. The way you wanted to see yourself.”, he said.

They were silent for a few minutes. There was a single honk of the train.

“And… I did it. Out of courage, I did it Kailash, Yes!”

“Did what?”, he asked.

“Wait for tomorrow’s news. Don’t forget to thank Madhavan sir. Without his help and support, I couldn’t have managed it.”

“What the hell are you speaking? I completely hate him now for his actions and attitude. He chose to be on the wrong side and betrayed us on the whole!”, he spoke with hatred.

The train just began to move. Kailash started to walk along with it.

“No. Thank him from your heart. He was like a father to me all these days. Great man. Great career. Follow him as far as possible. “

“You are confusing me.” He nodded saying that.

“There is answer to all your confusions or questions in tomorrow’s news. Watch out, see you soon. Goodnight!”

Kailash stood there until the train left the station. Now that he cannot sleep for the night, he decided to use Facebook for some time. He thought. He slept. He woke up. He thought again. He slept again, finally.

Next day…

Ashwin, infamous grandson of Home Minister, shot dead.
Killer missing. 6.35 mm pistol used to fire all 6 bullets, from a point-blank range. No finger prints found. No clear leads early on.
Three special teams formed to investigate on the case.

“6.35 mm pistol”, Kailash read and dropped the newspaper. He called him at once.

“Thank you sir. Thank you very much. No words, sir. You have won over me again sir, I feel I can never understand you the first time, ever. There can never be another great like you!”

“Well, I had been expecting your call for some time. Get yourself a pen and note something down, now. ‘Sometimes, justice is to be served beyond the four walls of a court!’ So, when are you re-joining here? If I may ask”

“Will come there at once, sir.”

“I am no more a working advocate. Guess something? I am suspected of murder now. And I need the best man in business to represent me! Hope you will accept my request.”

“It’s my privilege and honor to do, sir.”

“By the way, how much will you charge for me?”, Madhavan was full of sarcasm.

“I have always asked for one thing from you sir and you have never agreed with me in that. As usual, your beloved daughter!”

“Rascal. Get lost. Oh no, just come over!”