Illegal - Justice, Out of Order (2020): Season 1, Episode 9 - Plausible Deniability - full transcript

Plausible Deniability

'I still remember the day'

'I came to Delhi from Bangalore
to join JJ's firm.'

'I came here to fight against the people
who take the law into their hands,'

'to right a wrong.'

'It took me a lot of time to
understand'

'that sometimes, the keepers of law
also go against the very same law.'

'And to understand'

'that sometimes, you have to do some
dirty work to make things right.'

I...

I didn't want to go home.



So, I slept here.

I knew it.

Actually,

I came here

because I didn't want to be alone.

Just for today.

It's funny that we married each
other,

but it was aunty
who was more like my soulmate.

It's strange. Isn't it?

Yes.

She liked you.

She was really fond of you.

What about you?

What?



Akshay, we don't hate each other.

We don't love each other, but we
could have followed a middle path.

We could have liked each other.

Really liked each other.
We got along really well.

Well enough to be almost love!

You know my mom and dad's
was a love marriage.

And then what? They just ended up
hating each other by the end.

So, I don't think love
is the answer to anything.

Is that why you let her go?

Who?

It's not important who she is, Akshay.

What's important is, you let someone
go, and that's why you don't let me in.

We are going to live like this
throughout our life.

Anyway, here are the keys to the
studio.

Just go and crash there
and stop sleeping on the couch.

Thank you.

Seriously, I am fine.

I am not diagnosing your state of
mind.

So, stop convincing me that you are
fine.

I am giving you 3 days.
After that, I'll come to pick you up.

I have listened to everything
you've said so far.

Now, it's your turn to listen to me.

I won't leave you alone.

Give me the file.

Why are we going against the state
in the Meher Salam case

and unnecessarily filing the PIL?

You asked us to do so, JJ.
- I did! When?

SK, I am a bit forgetful these days
owing to my age.

But you are quite younger than me.

JJ, I was against it from the
beginning.

But Niharika... - You are the head
of our litigation team.

It's your department.
You should take care of it.

Keep Niharika in check.

Otherwise, she will control you.

I got it, JJ.

Right.
- You take care of yourself.

I am fine.
- See you.

Take the file with you.

Thank you very much.

What is this?

Read it when you have the time.

'Akshay,'

'your grief made us come
closer last night.'

'The wall that your marriage created
between us, we broke it.'

'I am not a homewrecker.'

'The thing that happened yesterday
will never happen again.'

'From now on, we will neither
pretend to be friends'

'nor muster the courage to fall in
love.'

'You and I are a finished story,
Akshay.'

'Forever.'

'Niharika.'

A lawyer came this morning to meet
her.

She already met
the visitors allowed in a day.

By the way, how many lawyers will come
here to meet Meher Salam?

She has become
the Salman Khan of our jail.

You went to meet Meher Salam!

Yes, and totally against my wishes.

But,

on a genuine note, I can't help her.

I don't want the Meher Salam case.
Please get me out of it.

Niharika, hand over all the files
related to Meher Salam to Sukhmani.

SK, I... - Get the files, Niharika.
Start listening.

Sukhmani, there are many associates in
our firm who could never become seniors.

You don't seem to be too worried about
your future, do you?

Sir, I am sorry.
- Here.

Is that all?
- Yes.

Speed them up.

SK, you hired me for the Meher Salam
case.

We hired you to work here,
and not just for the Meher Salam case.

And you are unable to do your job
in two cases.

Sukhmani doesn't even want this case.

I'll deal with Sukhmani.

Just focus on Neeraj Shekhawat case.
And keep me in the loop. Alright?

I'd like to focus on the Meher Salam
case.

Please, get me out
of the Neeraj Shekhawat case.

And Meher understands me, and I...
- We are done here. Thanks.

I don't know how to handle Niharika...

Look, don't talk about her.
She is your...

Sir, I understand you are under a lot
of pressure but... - Niharika.

Anything important?

Sir, I am sorry to bring this up
at this point in time.

But why am I being kicked out
of the Meher Salam case?

Oh, God! Not again.

Sir, I believe Meher Salam
is being sexually assaulted.

I've seen marks on her body.

I have met her several times. I think
finally, she is opening up to me.

And I don't think anybody in this
office understands her better than me.

Niharika, I explained to you...
- Hold on, SK.

I think you are a stupid girl who
claims that she understands Meher Salam.

Tell me who Meher Salam is.

She killed her entire family in one
night.

Don't you smell blood on her?

Sir, we already know this about Meher.

Yes, so she is getting
what she deserves... - Listen...

Listen to me, Niharika.
- You...

I hired you
because I saw some talent in you.

But don't be under the impression
that we'll fulfil all your wishes.

Do you understand?

It's a law firm.

There is a hierarchy here.

SK is your boss.

Do you understand?

Yes, sir.
- Now, out.

'I couldn't understand what JJ
wanted out of the Meher Salam case.'

'Sometimes, he would give me the case
and sometimes, snatch it from me.'

'What would happen
to Meher in this politics?'

'There was only one way
I could help Meher.'

'And in order to do that,'

'it was important
to tackle Neeraj's case first.'

I didn't find anything in the hotel.

But there are 3 police stations
within 4 km of the hotel.

Panchsheel police station
is one among them.

I got the CCTV footage from there.

You can't use this footage in the
court.

But you can apply for it,
and they may hand it over.

Why is she in a hurry?

She was in a hurry to go
to a police station on August 6.

But something didn't add up.

So, I inquired at
the Panchsheel police station.

I found out that Vartika went there
on August 6 to file a rape case.

Why would a girl file a rape case
against the same person

at two different police stations
within 2 days?

Obviously, the girl is aiming
for something big.

Vartika, Puneet sent you here, right?

Yes.

If you don't mind,
can I record this conversation?

Sure.
- Okay.

What should I talk about?

Whatever you want.

Do people like me come to you?

What do you mean?

I mean rape victims.

Yes.

What do they say?

I can't tell you about it.

Similarly, whatever you are going
to tell will be kept between us.

Ma'am...

I have scary dreams.

What do you see in your dreams?

Ma'am, a few things happened to me.

Bad things.

And the things that didn't happen

are equally pathetic and horrifying.

But...

But everything got mixed up in my
head.

I was actually waiting for you.

I thought since you are intelligent,
you must have figured out by now.

But then I thought maybe
her conscience has been defiled.

Move. - I need 15 minutes or until you
finish the coffee, please.

Mr Shukla, bring sugar for Ms Singh.

You have come to the police station.
Nobody is going anywhere. Okay?

Vartika lied.

Yes, she did, but that doesn't mean
Neeraj is innocent.

Vartika was raped on August 6.

She came to the Panchsheel police
station.

Then the same questions were asked to
her.

What type of dress were you wearing?
Why did you get into the room?

You don't look like being raped.

They asked the same things
that you asked her in court.

We

talk about justice, right?

It's quite rare. You can't get it
easily.

People spend their whole life going
to courts for this elusive justice.

But I feel I can help Vartika
get justice this time

if you help me.

Did you just say that?

You want me to throw the case away!

It's a disbarrable offence.

Disbarrable offence!

Is this the only thing that objection
you have to this conversation?

Disbarrable offence!

I can deal with that. Okay?

You are mad. What you are telling...
- Listen...

Vartika shouldn't even think about
that incident right now.

But she deals with two versions
of reality every day.

She should be away from all of this
in order to heal herself.

But she is in court every day.

Because she is not only the victim
but also a giant piece of evidence

that the prosecution and the defence
keep poking and prodding.

Her life and body have become an
exhibit

that court, media and public
examine in tiny pieces.

Are you surprised that she's going
crazy?

And why should I believe your story?

Ask Sue.

Vartika is in therapy.

You sent Vartika to Sue?

Vartika was in dire need of therapy,
so...

You know what I mean.

Sue is my roommate.
I'm handling Neeraj's case.

You're trying to manipulate me.
And you know you've crossed the line!

Yes, I crossed the line!
Big deal that I crossed the line!

Had I not crossed the line
and stayed within my limits,

Neeraj the rapist would be
walking free today.

You know what lines are meant for?

They're meant to keep a check on the weak
so that the strong can cannibalise them.

Law and order, boundaries and limits,

only apply to common people.
Fools like us get trapped.

Talk to your friend.

See what she has to say about Vartika.

I think you're sick and crazy.

Neeraj, I want you to take
a polygraph test.

It will really help our case.

It will strengthen our case.
Especially after Bobby's testimony...

Niharika. Now, we all know
that Bobby was lying.

You saw how he set me up.

So, ask Bobby to take a polygraph
test. Why do I have to take it?

Actually, great idea! We can do
a polygraph test on both of you.

That way, we'll also find out
why he lied in court.

Yes, but... He could lie
during the polygraph test too, right?

Have you heard about the narco test?

Sodium Pentothal.

The truth serum.

What does that do?

When the serum is injected in the
body, Bobby won't be able to lie.

And what if I refuse?

The court can't force you.

But, Neeraj, if you willingly tell the
court that there's nothing to hide,

our case will become very strong.

And this is really going
to help our case...

Niharika, when we already have
the evidence that Bobby is lying,

what's the need for a polygraph test?

Neeraj, you don't have
anything to hide, right?

Niharika, I can't do this. Okay?

I will not do this.
You're my lawyer. You find a way out.

Hi.

How was your day?

Vartika had come
to your clinic, hadn't she?

Yes.
- What did she say?

Has anything happened to her?
- Niharika, you're a lawyer. Mind your own job.

Sue.

She was lying, wasn't she?

I know she's lying! I have
evidence that she's lying!

Nikarika, please. Okay?

Sue, I just want to know that I'm
right!

'But, ma'am...'

'I don't know which version
of the truth is real.'

'The one which I made up for the
court,'

'or the one that really happened to
me?'

Niharika.
- 'I won't go crazy, right?'

Oh God!

Stop it!
- 'Neeraj will go to jail, right?'

I can't even recognise you anymore.

You went behind my back

to go through my patients' records!
What's wrong with you?

I mean, how does it matter
if she's lying or telling the truth?

Just do your job!

Sue.
- What?

You know I need...
- No! You've seriously crossed the fucking line.

Sue, look. I'm sorry. Sue!

Yohan...
- Sue, I'm sorry!

Sue, listen to me!
- Can I stay at your place tonight?

Prove it to me that Neeraj raped
Vartika.

And I'm on your side.

Yes, Niharika.

I'm on my way to the court.

Okay.

Alright.

Hey, you asshole, motherfucker!

You've come fully prepared, haven't
you?

So, this is your trump card?
That you're impotent?

What nonsense?
Who are you calling impotent?

You! You want to prove that you're
impotent, so you can't possibly rape?

Really?

Listen up, everyone! He's impotent!
- What rubbish!

Where did you get this?

From your lawyer's office. Is it true?

Hey, stop shooting!

If Niharika says so, it must be true.

It must be true because Niharika says
so? You fucker, you really are impotent.

A woman asked you to become impotent,
and you agreed to it?

Ma'am, Neeraj Shekhavat! He's
impotent!

Your ass is on fire.

You're losing the case, so you're
scared!

Someone, call the fire department!
His ass is on fire!

Who are you, asshole?
Who do you think you are?

What can you do to me, asshole?

If you could do something,
you would have done it by now.

The thing is I'm winning the case.

You know that damn well.

That is why you've come to me.
So, I could fuck you over. - Yes.

Ladies and gentlemen,
this is Neeraj Shekhavat.

He's impotent. He can't get it up.
So, he's incapable of raping someone.

Exhibit A!
- What do you think you're doing?

The same thing that is going to happen
after the case is over.

Sure, you'll win the case.
But the news headlines will read,

'Playboy Neeraj Shekhavat
doesn't have game.'

Listen up, punk.
You don't understand my game yet.

Even if you prove me to be impotent in
court, you think it'd change anything?

Vartika wasn't the first girl.

There were many before her.
But nobody could lay a finger on me!

So, mister, sex is about power.

When you rape someone,
when you forcibly put it inside,

a woman understands her level,
and she knows who's in control.

Did Vartika not tell you?
I had taught her everything in detail.

Go and ask her.

See you in court.

Did you record it properly?

Yes, sir.

Niharika.

That recording...

The video recording...

I know

it's wrong. I know.

Neeraj is very childish. I know.

He's stupid.

He's a little impulsive.

He must have made a mistake.

I'm not trying to protect him,
but I just feel that...

You will save him, right?

At the end of the day,
he's your younger brother.

I mean, I know you don't like
to hear that, but...

It's a fact, right?

Mr Shekhavat, I want
to ask you a question.

Of course.

Suppose that I find some loophole

and the court declares him to be
not guilty and acquits him...

But you know that he's a criminal,
right?

So, how will you punish him?

I will! I will punish him.

I'll get him married.

Yes. So that he...

So that he never does something
so reprehensible again.

I'll take care of it. I promise.

He'll never do this again.

But for once, just help him.

I guess you're right.

Marriage should be
the punishment for rape.

I had one lingering question
all this while.

Now, it has been answered.

What do you mean?

I mean, you are right.

I should go ahead and do my duty.

I have got a very early morning
tomorrow.

Would you like to have something
with tea? - Thank you.

As I said,
I'll do everything within my reach

in the Meher Salam case for you.

But will you help Vartika?

If Neeraj confesses to his crime
tomorrow, then will you help me?

If Neeraj gives a confession,
then you can imprison him yourself.

Ever wondered why a court is called

a court of law
and not a court of justice?

You know, someone can be
very deserving of justice,

but the mathematics of law can
deny justice to that person.

That's why trust me,
I am going to need your help.

Niharika just needed a push.

She is doing so well now.

Yes, Akshay told me about it.
Her impotence strategy was good.

It is not easy to extract work from those people.
- You are funny, JJ.

Now, the whole world knows
that you are indeed a man.

So, throw a party for it in prison.

I had told you
to keep your anger in check.

You couldn't do even that.

What are you doing, Neeraj?
- I am calling Akshay.

Akshay is mourning his mother's death.
He doesn't have time to clean your shit!

This was my responsibility.

But, Niharika,
this is inadmissible evidence.

Fruits of a poisonous tree.

I didn't know that he was recording
it!

Such things work in the US.

You have committed rape in India.

By hook or by crook, all kinds
of evidence are admissible here.

Fuck!

You screwed up, Neeraj!
- Fuck!

So, what shall I do now?

I think you should confess it now.

We can't have Puneet
present that evidence to Judge Mehta.

That evidence will destroy you. Trust
me!

Niharika, you are my lawyer.
Do you want to see me behind bars?

Have a look at this.

This is the evidence.

It is not just Vartika's rape.

You've suggested
that you've committed multiple rapes!

There is no way out of this.

You sound like
a sexual predator here, Neeraj.

Guys, this is a simple deal.

Confess it, and the state will
recommend five years of imprisonment.

The other option
is that I show this to Mehta.

And then, either he will sentence you
to seven years of imprisonment,

or he'll give you
fourteen years of imprisonment

for cognizance of multiple rapes.

Please give us a day's time to think.
- The judge will arrive in 15 minutes.

And he has 10 minutes.
Is it a yes or no? I need to know.

Neeraj, when imprisoned for five
years,

good behaviour will get you
released in two years.

You need to confess.

I need to talk to Akshay!

You make calls to everyone!
JJ. SK. Akshay.

Akshay will take your call.
- Neeraj, I already told you...

Niharika, I know that Akshay will
surely answer your call. Please!

Please, call Akshay. Please do it!

Neeraj, let me off for today at least.
I have sent you a trustworthy lawyer.

Akshay, I can't do
what Niharika is asking me to do.

You go and sit there. I will talk to
him.

He has an issue with her argument
that he is impotent. Please just...

Just sort this out.
- I'll manage it. You don't worry.

Neeraj, this is SK here.
- SK...

After everything that has happened,
this is the only way out.

So, just do as Niharika asks you to
do. Later, we'll see what can be done.

SK... SK, I...

Time is running out, buddy.

You either confess, or I am going
to show this evidence to the judge.

Neeraj, you will have to confess.
We have no other solution now.

We will get you out somehow.
We will find a way to get you out.

Be seated.

So...

Okay, I will do it!

Are you sure you will find a way
to get me out?

Your Honour, my client would
like to make a statement.

Take the stand.

Your Honour,

I would like to make a confession.

Tandon, what did you do?

Neeraj, has anyone forced you
into making this confession?

No, sir.

I have made a huge mistake.

I am the one who raped Vartika.

Your Honour, my client listened
to his conscience and confessed.

I would request you to be lenient
while sentencing him.

In NCT of Delhi versus Neeraj
Shekhavat,

the court declares
Neeraj Shekhavat to be guilty.

The sentencing will be done
in two weeks from now.

Bailiff, arrest Neeraj Shekhavat.

Did you not even think of consulting
me before asking Neeraj to confess?

This time, you shouldn't be having
a problem with me

because it was you who told Neeraj
that there is no other way.

I thought he was talking about
the strategy

to argue that he is impotent.

I am so sorry. There are times
when confusions do happen, SK.

Neeraj confessed before Puneet
that he had raped Vartika.

If this evidence would have been
presented to the judge, then...

Then we could've managed it, Niharika.
We could've figured something out.

But now that he has confessed,

it is practically impossible for him
to get bail.

And by the time his appeals
will get registered,

he will have served
more than half of his sentence.

And Niharika was well aware of this.

Isn't it, Niharika?

Sir, Neeraj and I
called you several times,

but you didn't answer our calls.

You chose very good timings to call
me.

Did you learn this from Puneet?

Since when have you both
been planning on this?

Puneet has mentored you quite well.

Sir, I have learnt everything from
you.

It is you who told me
that our society has no space

for people like Meher Salam
and Neeraj Shekhavat.

People like them deserve to be
behind bars.

And we must do everything in our
capacity to put them behind bars.

You are fired, Niharika.

Let it be, SK.

If she is so smart, she is also
wise enough to know that she is fired.

Out of my firm.
- Sure, sir.

Why, Niharika?

Why?

You knew it is the thirteenth day
of mourning my mom's death.

You knew I couldn't come to the court.
And yet!

I mean, why? Did you really...
Did you actually plan all of this?

Is it so?

And what? Last night meant
absolutely nothing to you, right?

Last night?
Since we are talking about nights,

let's talk about that night in
Banglore

when you came suddenly, packed your
bags and went off straight to Amsterdam!

Every fucking time!

Every time you want to use this
against me. Right?

I get it.
You want to exact revenge, right?

That's what this is about.

Oh God, Akshay. You are still
as self-obsessed as you were then.

Everything is not about you!
Seriously!

You are delusional!
- Am I?

Am I delusional?
What's gotten into you, Niharika?

My friend is rotting in prison,
and it is because of you.

You know what?

The Niharika that I knew
never used to be so unethical.

And the Akshay that I knew
never used to side with a rapist!

You knew Neeraj had raped Vartika.
And yet you...

Actually, JJ and you manipulated me
and forced me to take up this case.

Congratulations
on the best conspiracy theory ever!

You know what? You sound like
fucking Puneet to me right now!

Yes, I do because he was right!

JJ used me.

He used Meher Salam.
And he sabotaged this case!

You know what? I don't whether dad
sabotaged this case or not!

But it doesn't matter because
Meher Salam is a fucking murderer!

She murdered her entire family! And
you are attacking me with that case!

You are talking about legal ethics
while favouring a rapist!

And there are none
when it comes to Meher Salam's case!

And you mentioned the other night.

You were like any other man

who wanted an easy fuck
to get over his grief!

And thank God I said no to that!

You need an advocate-on-record
for the Meher Salam case.

And you have come to me because

no one is going to work with you
and... - Thank you.

You knew that...

You have brought everything.
Don't forget the salt now.

I would say yes.

Really?

Oh, come on. That was very sweet,
but you knew I'd agree to help you.

In fact, I am getting a feeling

that you've come here not only
to seek help from me

but also to form an alliance.

Whatever I have accomplished
on the Meher Salam case,

my papers, files and everything
else...

It is with JJ,
and proceeding without them...

It will be too difficult for me
to proceed without those files.

No problem.
We will get those papers from them.

How?

We run a small firm, but we have
also got someone like Randeep.

Perhaps, sharper and better than
Randeep.

You have met that person.

Did you get into a brawl again?

Open her handcuffs.
- Yes, ma'am.

Let me come there.

There's no need for that.
Stay right there!

Leave!

Meher, I don't want to lie to you.

JJ and SK will take advantage of you.

They will lie to you.

They will turn you into an agenda
for the elections.

Sign on these papers
and make me your lawyer.

Why? How will that help me?

Will you listen to me?

Isn't it evident to you?

Everyone comes here and takes advantage
of me, but that doesn't affect me.

Everyone sides up with that old woman,

and they force their will on me! And
you?

You are trying to add to that
by following your will!

It is the same thing!

Meher, after what you went through,
it is very easy to get you released.

I don't want to be released.

They said they are going to hang me.

I told them a thousand times
that they should hang me!

I am fighting for your rights, Meher.

You deserve to live.
You deserve to be set free.

You have the right to start a new
life!

Hey! You are asking a living corpse
to start a new life!

Shall I tell you why I wish to die?

I want to die because I've been in
this prison for the last fifteen years!

Do you know how many months
make fifteen years?

One hundred and eighty months!

I've been here
for more than five thousand days.

And every day, I kept praying.

I used to pray for my death.

What do you think?

If they release me,
will society accept me?

Are you so naive?

Can't you understand that I won't
get food to eat after I am released?

I won't get a job! I will get nothing!

When I get released from this prison,

I will die out of shame!
Is that what you want?

Try to understand me.

Setting me free from this prison
means just one thing.

It means I will be transferred
from the state's prison

to the prison of this society.

And this society is very cruel!

I will die of humiliation and
indignity.

No one will understand me.

No one will accept me.

That is why I want them to hang me.