Click to play videoNew Delhi: Eight years ago, on April 29, Jessica Lall was shot dead by Manu Sharma. The incident was as dramatic as the twists and turns that followed in the lower court and then the Delhi High Court. But Jessica Lall today has become more than just a victim.
The chapter of Jessica Lall's life came to a close but in her death she opened chapters that are still being read.
It was the verdict in the Jessica Lall case that brought people on to the streets to demand justice.
Some say it was her case that led the Delhi High Court to put the Priyadarshini Mattoo case on fast track. Her name, now almost synonymous with the pursuit of justice, is now part of the study of law. What was it about the case that sparked off such emotion?
Sociologist Depankar Gupta says, “It is a self congratulatory exercise for the middle classes that they did something. They feel very happy and proud.”
Jessica's sister Sabrina agrees.
“People had enough of seeing criminals get away and they have proved that it was time to speak up and put their foot down,’ says Sabrina.
After the lower court verdict, Sabrina had almost lost all hope of getting justice for her sister.
Today, she is convinced the Delhi High Court's stern view on witnesses turning hostile will have far-reaching implications.
Sabrina adds, “The court should treat an electrician turning hostile differently from say Shyan Munshi.”
Eight years after Jessica's death, Sabrina can only wish she could turn the clock backwards.
Manu Sharma's appeal against the Delhi High Court's verdict is pending in the Supreme Court. But this time Sabrina knows the tide is in her favour.
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