The Verdict - State Vs Nanavati

Naval officer Kawas Nanavati commits a gruesome murder with his service revolver in broad daylight. For the Indian Navy, Nanavati is a hero. The prosecution and the defendant are set to fight this seemingly open and shut case that makes headlines and scandalizes the entire nation.

Chandu Trivedi reluctantly accepts assistance from Sindhi lawyer Ram Jethmalani. Before the first hearing, the prosecution and the defense must select the jury members. Both Trivedi and Khandalawala try to select members who will take the final verdict in favour of their candidate.

The prosecution is convinced that Kawas will plead guilty in the court. However, the defense tries to persuade Kawas to plead not guilty. For this Karanjia intervenes and meets Kawas and his lawyer. Meanwhile, Ram confronts Trivedi on his lackluster argument in court.

The primary witnesses are presented in the court for examination. Trivedi is shocked when policer officer Lobo who is also a prime witness is not allowed to give his testimony in the courtroom.

The case takes an unexpected turn when Kawas Nanavati tells the court what happened on the day when Prem Ahuja was killed. He confesses to pulling the trigger on Ahuja, but only accidentally. Meanwhile, the divided jury members visit the crime scene.

Trivedi and Khandalawala argue the scientific facts of bullet injuries by examining their respective expert witnesses in the courtroom. As Sylvia agrees to be the ‘villain’ to save her husband, Khandalawala urges her to tell everything about her extra marital affair with businessman Prem Ahuja.

In the next hearing, Sylvia Nanavati puts her side of the story in the courtroom. Khandalawala asks her some shocking and humiliating questions in front of the jury & public in the courtroom. And Jethmalani presents some scandalizing evidence. Sylvia is reduced to tears, whereas Kawas feels insulted.

State Vs Nanavati case goes for the final hearing. Both prosecution and defense present their conclusive arguments. Trivedi appeals the jury to be free of any bias while giving their verdict, whereas, Khandalawala urges the jury to keep the nation’s interest first. Now the jury will decide.

Honourable Judge R.B Mehta is shocked at the jury’s verdict in favour of Kawas Nanavati. He is forced to exercise his judicial powers and nullify the judgement passed by the jury. He refers the case to the High Court. Meanwhile, Rusie Karanjia unites the entire Parsi community and convinces them to campaign for mercy petition for Kawas.

Everyone involved in the case tries to seek a sense of normalcy. Mamie tries to seek closure by selling off her mansion. Kawas is no more with the Navy and finds an alternate profession to support his family. But he doesn’t feel at home in Bombay anymore and decides to immigrate to another country & settle down.