Illegal - Justice, Out of Order (2020): Season 1, Episode 2 - Justice Delayed, Justice Denied? - full transcript

Niharika Singh is at a crossroads. On one hand, a death-row inmate who's rotting in jail for over 15 years awaits justice. On the other, a rich brat accused of rape is going to trial. Who will Niharika Singh defend?

Justice Delayed
Justice Denied

The term, being at the crossroads,

standing at the crossroads in life...

Honestly, I am
a little disturbed by this.

I think destiny has
some different plans for me.

I am at the crossroads
quite often in my life.

I decide to take a certain path, but
my destiny pulls me elsewhere.

But this time

I am going to do exactly what I want.

Crossroads can go to hell.

Sue, I need a favour.



Hi. Morning.

Morning. Can I borrow your heels?

Why? These are fine.

No, they are not high enough.

High enough! Why?
Are you dating a giraffe?

No, I am not.

So, is it an excuse to delay
going to the office?

I am not planning to do that.
I am leaving for the office.

But without high heels,
I just feel I am really small.

Like everyone is overpowering me.

Dude, I should have done my psychiatric
thesis on you.

Stop with the PJs.

Actually, I am going
to take your Jimmy Choo.

Take it. You'll find them
on the bottom right.



Okay.
- Listen, when you wear these heels, and you feel tall enough,

if you still don't want to take
the Neeraj Shekhavat case,

put your tall-heeled foot down. Okay?

Yes, Niharika.

Morning, sir.
- Morning.

Sir, in order to represent Neeraj, I need
to believe that he is telling the truth.

Sir, I know it's a great opportunity
for me, and I am very grateful for that.

But I want to concentrate
on Meher Salam case.

Please don't force me
to take Neeraj's case.

Here is the case file.
I have made some notes on it.

Sir, I can't take the case.

Why? Aren't you familiar
with Devanagari script?

Meher Salam, Janardhan Jaitley

Make sure to go through my notes
on the Meher Salam case carefully.

I really wanted you
to handle Meher's case.

But what you want is also
equally important.

If you don't believe Neeraj,
then you wouldn't be able to defend him.

Mom, I am putting your EpiPen
in your bag.

I have talked to the chef.
No peanuts in your food.

But you also must remember it, please.
Sometimes, you forget it.

Did you inquire about what I asked you to?

Yes, mom.
- And?

No, mom.

Dad hasn't taken
a new insurance policy for you.

Look, this paranoia...
- Paranoia!

He didn't spare Rohan.

Mom, he died in an accident...

Because we couldn't prove
that it was a murder.

Okay, mom. Please come here.
It's okay.

It's okay. Sit.

It's absolutely okay.
Just relax.

Today, you'll only enjoy your lunch.

And we'll talk about it later.
Okay?

Hello.

Bro...

I am standing outside.
I want to go to London. I can't stay here.

I am coming.

Do you think you'll get away if you go
to London? You can't hide there.

Bro, you are not a criminal yet.
But if you do this, you'll become one.

Bro, I am already a criminal.

Press, public and media,
everyone is saying that.

I know you haven't done anything wrong,

but listen to me.
My entire team is working on it.

I just want you to stay at home.
And don't you fucking move from here!

Sir, I have found the file.

SK, do you know where your client is?
He is trying to go abroad.

What the hell is your team doing?

Oh, really!
And what is your friend doing, Akshay?

Doesn't he know that he has to trust us
to do our jobs?

And because of his foolishness,
his firm is about to lose Rs 4 billion.

The merger will collapse, Akshay.

You know you really should have
controlled your friend better.

And now, we are here
cleaning up your bloody bullshit.

What! How the hell is this my...
- Hold on. Calm down.

We'll lose Rs 40 million.

Rs 40 million plus the billable hours, JJ.
- Yes, you are right.

Neeraj's timing couldn't have been better.

Do you have any strategy?
Any solution? Any plan?

The team is on it, Akshay. We have filed
the bail extension application.

The investigation has started

In fact, Randeep and Sukhmani are
checking the girl's background.

But if there is anything else we should
be doing, tell me.

Yes, at least meet your client once.
- Come on.

You come on! Neeraj is not only my friend

but also the most important client
of our firm.

At least meet him once
and try to find out the truth.

Truth and falsity are spiritual things.
There is no point in arguing about them.

Truth is something that can be proved.

So, what's that truth?

Neeraj!

Have you done it?

Did you force yourself on her?

No, dad. Absolutely not.

Say whatever you have to.
This is your chance.

And be honest. Did you rape her?

Dad, I didn't rape her.

I don't need to rape.

Good for you.
- Surya.

You better be innocent.

Otherwise, I'll punish you
before the court does..

If you stay away from this
indulgent lifestyle for two days,

you'll be scared of even
talking about girls.

You can punish me, but you can't trust me?

I'm already a rapist for
the rest of the world.

But you, being my dad,
could trust me and be on my side.

Damnit...
- But I'm sorry, dad.

It must be difficult for you.

You've never trusted me until today.
How will you trust me now?

Mr Shekhavat,

you and I have met each other
just a couple of times.

But Neeraj and Akshay

know each other very well.
They're close friends.

So, this case of yours isn't just
a professional issue for me.

It's as personal for me as it is for you.

Please have tea.

Thank you, Mr Jaitley.
I really appreciate that.

Do you have a strategy for this case yet?

I do have a strategy.

I've already started working on it.

Can you tell me about it?

Mr Shekhavat, these days,
lawsuits are fought on two platforms,

namely the court and the media.

We need a lawyer who can conquer
both the platforms for us.

Do you have someone in mind?

Yes, there's a girl.
She is from Bangalore.

She joined my firm recently.

She is known as Mad Lawyer in the media.

She once put her entire career on the line
to get a culprit punished.

If she takes over this case,

overnight, the media's
perception will change.

They will be forced to think that Neeraj
cannot be out-and-out guilty.

So, what's the problem?
Why wouldn't she take over the case?

She is highly principled.

We need to break the barrier
of her principles to get to her.

What's her name?

Niharika.

Niharika Singh.

Ma'am,

Here are the files you had asked for.
- Thank you.

Vartika Tripathi.
Sir, she is working at Hotel Vipron.

For the last 8 months, she has been a bartender.
- Bartender?

For us, their office...

Sir, these are the details of the girl.
She is a resident of Mathura.

She holds a BA in Hotel Management.
She stays near Jama Masjid.

Thank you

One month ago,
she wrote 2-3 blogs against Neeraj.

In the blogs, she claimed that Neeraj
used to harass her sexually.

But after some time,
she deleted the blogs.

But why did she delete them?

The HR department put pressure on her.

They said that they would
resolve it internally.

I see. So, they bypassed
the Vishaka Committee.

She can become a problem for us.

It set the precedence
for Neeraj's sexual harrassment.

Did the HR say anything else?

Nothing much. They wanted Neeraj
to talk to the victim.

Neeraj was her boss, and he
sexually harassed her? How stupid!

It's going to be a tough one.

All the evidence is heavily
stacked against us.

It's a very weak case for us.

The case hasn't been formed yet.
We have to build it.

We have to work with some events,
some facts and some rumours.

We'll use it all to form our case.

Did you call Niharika?

Sir, I just returned from Nizamuddin.

Along with Saima, I also met Abid...
- Hold on a second.

Who is Abid?

Abid is Meher Salam's son.

Wait. This is not Meher Salam's file...

We are discussing
the Neeraj Shekhavat case.

But the schedule stated
'Meher Salam case updates'

Exactly, Niharika. That is why
I was calling you repeatedly.

Had you answered my calls, you would have
known that this firm is on fire.

We are prioritising
the Neeraj Shekhavat case now.

So, when are we discussing
the Meher Salam case?

Because that also is a priority.

Yesterday, she attempted suicide.

Is this firm going to use all its
time and resources to defend a rapist?

Does no one care about Meher?

Those who are wearing a red band
are in a relationship!

And you're not available...

And you're not available
to the singles crowd.

Those who are wearing a yellow band

are looking for an upgrade!

Those who are wearing a green band...

What the hell are you waiting for?
Let's have sweet, sweet sex.

Hey, don't be silly.
Have you gone crazy? Go over there.

It's a party!

You're a real bore, you know?
It's a party. Chill out.

By the way, Niharika...
- Yes?

He proposed a one night stand
and negotiated a live-in relationship.

He's one heck of a lawyer.

That's not true.

Are you kidding me? He's not a guest at
your house party. He's playing the host.

He's giving people things
from your fridge.

He even knows where
the extra soda is. So, please.

That doesn't mean anything, okay?

By the way, he's wearing yellow.
- Of course. What did you expect?

Oh! Baby, here you are.
I was looking for you everywhere.

Come on, let's go.

Come on! It's a party.
- Yes, but...

Isn't wearing green too desperate?
You could have worn yellow.

You could have respected our fling.

You men amaze me.

It's hasn't even been two months, and you
are already dictating what I should wear.

By the way, your yellow
is more insulting than my green.

Ask me why.
- Why?

Because it means
that you need an upgrade.

Either red or green.

I don't get this centrist stand.

Akshay.

Coffee?
- Thank you.

Be careful.
- Yes.

Akshay, don't worry too much.

I won't let anything
happen to your friend.

SK and others are a little conservative
in their approach, but I'll handle it.

I trust you.
- You should.

Oh yes, there's one thing
I want to tell you.

We will fight the law for Neeraj's sake.

But it's not good to have
a difference of opinion within the office.

Because things like these can leak out.

Are you talking about Niharika?
- Exactly.

She's a good girl. She's talented.
She's a good lawyer.

But she's a bit of an amateur.

If she keeps calling Neeraj a rapist
in front of everyone in the office,

it could give rise
to a difference of opinion,

which could be dangerous for Neeraj.

The billables are quite high
for this Neeraj Shekhavat case.

Why did you decline?

I have seen photos.

She has cigarette burns on her body.

She's only 22 years old.

And a room full of lawyers
are preparing a case against her.

In all fairness, she is the victim.

How do you know?

Oh yes, I forgot. You have superpowers.
You can sense the truth using your powers.

Akshay, the superpower is known as
research and deduction.

The girl tried to complain twice.
Nobody listened to her.

Then she wrote a blog.

She was pressured into
retracting the blog.

All these things are already
in the public domain.

But how can you say that Neeraj is guilty?

Is the judgment out?
Because the last I checked, it hadn't!

Oh, so we're playing that game!
'Innocent until proven guilty!'

It's your favourite strategy, right?

The strategy you speak of is
the foundation of the entire criminal law.

And people like you exploit it.

People like me?
Do you have to make personal attacks?

No. Not at all.
Actually, why don't you walk away?

You're very good at that.
But you know what?

I will walk away.

You are projecting your personal issues
on this case. And you know that.

What you call personal issues
is actually a reality check.

And your friend, apart from
being a rapist, is also a sadist.

Cigarette burns, for fuck's sake!

Akshay, there are cigarette burns on
the girl's hands, legs and stomach!

So, you've already delivered the judgment

based on the photos you saw
and what you heard on TV?

And you call yourself a lawyer?
I don't think so!

You were talking about conscience, right?

Since you're obviously better
than everybody else here,

tell me one thing.
How can you deny Neeraj defence

because of your bias?
How does your conscience allow for that?

I'm so sorry that I don't meet
your gold standards,

but I'm not going to defend a rapist.

Look at you. What's the difference
between you and the Khap Panchayat?

Instead of interrogating me,
why don't you investigate Neeraj's case?

Everyone is entitled to a defence,

which is why they're called accused.

On the basis of evidence, it's decided
if the accused is a murderer,

a terrorist or a rapist.

Everyone has the right
to prove their innocence.

And by the way,
Neeraj is not Sameer Adhikari.

And you're venting out that frustration
on this case, and you fucking know it.

These rapists, molesters
and assholes always get away

because they know their way
around the legal system.

Everyone is entitled to a defence? No.

Only the entitled fucking get the defence.

People spend decades in jail.

Meher Salam is being treated
like an animal in jail.

But Neeraj? Neeraj can't
survive one night in jail.

Someone, somewhere, must be punished.

You know what? You disgust me.

By the way, why did you
wear the red one?

I like the colour.

Even I like red.

How's your mom?

Better.

That's good.

Marry me.

Marry me.

When I'm high, I drunk-dial people.

When you're high, you propose?

Seriously?

This tutti-frutti is damn good.

She had filed a complaint against Neeraj.

But if she had such a problem
with Neeraj and found him threatening,

what did she do about it?

I mean, I just don't get it.
Why did she continue going to work?

Why did she not tell anyone?

When someone feels endangered,
what does he normally do?

That's interesting. Her blog post
addressed the exact same issue.

Dad, here are the resumes
of the lawyers I actually trust.

Yes, I've seen these.
But none of these is Niharika.

You're not hearing me.

I know Niharika very well.

She's very stubborn,
and she's not right for this case.

Today morning, I marinated
the 'teetar' meat.

So, you're having dinner with me tomorrow.

Since Devika is not here,

I've invited Niharika instead.

It's been a long time
since I interacted with new people.

Sir, the prosecution has appointed
Mr Tandon as their lawyer.

Fuck!

Puneet Tandon. JJ's former associate.

JJ's associate?

Formerly his associate,
presently his enemy.

Enemy? What is that all about?

I don't know the whole story,
but the ones who know about it

also talk in whispers.

But do you know what happened one day?

You knew, didn't you? You knew!

What did I know?
What are you talking about?

You knew that Onir was innocent,
and yet you framed him!

He committed suicide in jail.
All because of you!

What nonsense! Have you lost it?
Go home. We'll talk tomorrow.

I don't care if they hang me...
- SK! SK!

I'll fucking kill you!
- SK!

I'll fucking kill you!
- Puneet! Have you lost your fucking mind?

He's not a lawyer!
He's a fucking murderer!

I won't rest easy until I destroy you!

I will fucking ruin you, JJ!

I'll ruin you!
- Get out!

This case is
a perfect opportunity for Puneet.

He's going to nail JJ.

Poor guy, Neeraj.

He's been reduced to nothing
but a pawn in this case.

Regardless of whether he's guilty
or innocent, Puneet will send him to jail.

Vartika, I know that Neeraj is rich,

powerful and influential.

But don't forget that he's guilty too.

But this is not the time to play defence.

Sir, will we win the case?

Sir, JJ will come well-prepared.
We must train her to face JJ.

You very well know what he's capable of.

Neeraj has to go to jail.

Don't worry.

This is your fight, Vartika.
But I'm with you.

And I will be with you till the very end.

But I need you to be strong. Okay?

Vartika Tripathi has filed
a report against Neeraj Shekhavat

at the Vasant Kunj Police Station
on the charges of rape.

We will not reveal the victim's name.
It's against journalistic principles.

We're ashamed of our colleagues
in the journalist community

who have, so irresponsibly,
chosen to telecast the victim's name.

I mean, how can you
reveal the victim's name?

We know how such women
are treated in our society.

Sir, you wanted to see me...

Oh yes, Sukhmani,
what is this I'm hearing?

The rape victim's name was leaked on TV?

Yes, sir. I'm really sorry.

But I can assure you
that it was no one from our team.

So, who do you think did it?

Sir, I'm quite sure that it was Neeraj.

Neeraj? Why would he do that?

Sir, he's very impulsive..

He gets angry over trivial things.

I'm pretty sure he must have thought
that since his reputation is tarnished,

he might as well name the girl
and malign her name.

It's a good theory, but it's not correct.

It was done by Puneet Tandon.

Sir, why would he do that?

Because the whole world and the media,
comprising of people like you,

will blame Neeraj for the leak.

Since people already consider him to be
an asshole, he wanted to add to it.

It's sad that nobody is interested
in knowing the truth about Neeraj.

You're right, sir.
I really didn't think about it that way.

Sukhmani, in order to fight Puneet,
we need to think like him.

If Puneet has leaked the name, he must
have done it with the girl's consent.

And think about it. What kind of a woman

agrees to malign her own name?

I don't think any respectable girl
would do that.

What do you think, Niharika?

Sorry, sir. I think you're right.

No respectful woman would do that.

Ma'am, what are your views
on the Neeraj Shekhavat case?

You've got the wrong person.
I'm not handling that case.

Is it true that you refused
to take up Neeraj Shekhavat's case?

Ma'am, isn't it high time that we punish
the rich and entitled who misuse the law?

Is that why you declined the case?

Neeraj's trial is going on.
The court will give the final decision.

Ma'am, of course, the court
will give the final verdict,

but why did you decline the case?

In fact, you have said, and I'm quoting
verbatim, 'Someone must be punished.

No comments, please.

Why did a lawyer from Janardhan Jaitley's
firm, Niharika Pratap Singh,

refuse to take up
Neeraj Shekhavat's case? Let's find out

These rapists, molesters
and assholes always get away

because they know their way
around the legal system.

Meher Salam is being treated
like an animal in jail.

But Neeraj? Neeraj can't
survive one night in jail.

'Someone, somewhere, must be punished.'
- Mute it, man!

Hey. Sorry. I'll just be five minutes.

What happened?

Nothing.

Last night,

you asked me to marry you. I...

Look. Last night,
I was quite stoned and high. So...

I'm sorry.

You're sorry?

Seriously?
- Yes.

I'm very late. So...

Where are you going?
- Amsterdam.

Amsterdam?
- Yes. It's the party month.

So...

Okay, then.

I'll see you around.

Congratulations. I thought I should
come here myself and tell you.

Oh, don't look at me like that.

You know exactly what you've done.
Don't pretend like you don't know it.

Neeraj is in hospital.

Inspired by your interview,,

some goons dragged him out of his car
and assaulted him.

I'm sorry about that...
- Sorry?

Are you sorry?

'Someone must be punished.'
That's what you said, right?

The accusation against Neeraj hasn't
been proven, and he has been punished.

And all the credit for that goes to you.

So, I think you should go home, open up
a bottle of champagne and celebrate.

Well fucking done, Niharika.

I'm sure that the files
must have been leaked by Niharika.

That's what she did at her previous
firm too. She backstabbed people.

Sukhmani, please.

I'm just trying to help.

Someone, somewhere, must be punished.

But how can you say that Neeraj
is guilty? Is the judgment out?

Poor guy, Neeraj. He's been reduced
to nothing but a pawn in this case.

It's sad that nobody is interested
in knowing the truth.

So, you've already
delivered the judgment

based on the photos you saw
and what you heard on TV?

You have said, and I'm quoting
verbatim, 'Someone must be punished'.

If Puneet has leaked the name, he must
have done it with the girl's consent.

I'm sure that the files
must have been leaked by Niharika.

Someone must be punished.'
That's what you said, right?

Poor Neeraj. He's in
the hospital because of her.

The accusation against Neeraj
hasn't been proven...

Regardless of whether
he's guilty or not...

And he has been punished.
- Puneet will send him to jail.

What kind of a woman...

Her character...
- He's entitled to a defence.

She agreed to have
her name maligned.

Everyone has the right
to prove their innocence!

'Teetar kesari'.

My mother used to cook 'Teetar Kesari'.

Chicken, mutton and fish are common,
but 'teetar' is a whole different league.

It takes longer to cook 'teetar kesari'

than it takes to dress up a bride.

So, here you go, sir.

And here you go, ma'am.

Thank you, sir. That looks really nice.

And this one is for me.

So, that's how you cook 'teetar kesari'.

Right now, Neeraj needs a good lawyer

and not the guilt
you're trying to induce in him.

Sir, I'll be the best lawyer
Neeraj can have.

I've made a mistake.
But I don't want to repeat it.

Hello, Mr Bhatia. I'm sure you must have
heard about the Neeraj Shekhavat case.

The girl's name is Vartika Tripathi.
Don't print it today. Print it tomorrow.

Neeraj can't survive one night in jail.

Someone, somewhere, must be punished.

Did you check Neeraj's schedule?
- Yes.

And what about the video leak?

How are you? Ready to go to jail?

Wait, I'll show you, fucker.

I shouldn't have let my personal politics
come in the way of Neeraj's defence.

You had said that no one would force me,

but I request you to please let
me take on Neeraj's case.

Oh! I forgot to bring the sauce.

I'll be right back.

Dad.

Did you facilitate the attack on Neeraj?
- No!

Neeraj is family, Akshay. I didn't do it.

'I had never imagined
that lawyers like Janardhan Jaitley

make their moves not in the court,
but outside the court.

And I had never imagined that one day,

I would have to play this game
better than Janardhan Jaitley.