Anatomy Of A Coincidence | Part 02 | Under Lens

KM Nanavati comes to know about his wife Sylvia’s affair with his friend Prem. They were cheating while he was away on long assignments. Nanavati realized that their relation damaged beyond repair. Only natural progression was a separation. Despite of all this he wanted his wife to be happy and a security for children. He decided to take the matter in his hand.

Prem, however, was interested in a fling than a relationship. He didn’t had any ambition to marry Sylvia. He stated that categorically to Sylvia. Having casual relationships was not an alien concept for him. But when Nanavati came to know about it the equations changed. Nanavati asked him if he wants to honor the relationship or not. Prem responded with a ‘No’. Nanavati was not ready to accept that as an option. He killed him.

Much like Lt. Manion, Nanavati surrendered with a cool demeanor which was in his favor when the trial began. He was not deemed to be a danger. His uniform and Parsi background also helped him. Sylvia also stood by him. He regretted her affair with Prem and knew that Prem never inteded to marry her. It was a proud defense personnel against a lecherous backstabber. Jury was prejudiced and Nanavati was found not guilty by Jury. Case was referred to High Court.

That was the last time Jury decided fate in a court trial in India. Case was identified as an example where Jury was misled by external factors and were not able to hold tenets of justice. The issue became political. Sindhi community backed Prem as Prem was a Sindhi and they believed that killing was unnecessary. Parsi community backed Nanavati as he did it to keep his honor intact. This trial became a milestone in Indian judiciary and questioned constitution on many points. It also affected the political dynamics and cinema of yesteryears.