Chapter 205

The atmosphere in the Supreme Court was charged with tension as the appeal hearing for Nitish Reddy's case commenced. On one side stood Rohith, the young and idealistic lawyer fighting for his client's life and reputation. Opposing him was the prosecution's veteran counsel, a formidable presence with years of courtroom experience, determined to uphold the conviction and paint Nitish as a man who abused his power and privilege.

Rohith adjusted his tie, his face a mixture of determination and exhaustion. The stakes were monumental. This was not just a fight for Nitish's freedom but a battle against a narrative that had already convicted him in the court of public opinion.

The proceedings began with the prosecution laying out their argument. Their lawyer, Mr. Sen, was a man known for his sharp rhetoric and persuasive abilities.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Sen began, his voice carrying a blend of confidence and disdain, "this is not just a case about one man and one woman. It is a case about power dynamics, about how men of privilege use their influence to manipulate and silence women, especially those who are vulnerable and struggling."

He turned to the bench, his gaze steady. "The evidence we presented in the lower court clearly showed that Nitish Reddy used his position as a wealthy and celebrated cricketer to coerce Ms. Ayesha. The slap he delivered was not just physical—it was symbolic of the disregard he holds for women like her, women who dare to stand up to power."

Rohith stood, his face calm but his voice firm. "Your Honor, while the prosecution paints a vivid picture of abuse and privilege, let us not forget that this case is about facts, not conjecture. The truth cannot be shaped by emotions or assumptions."

He paused, his voice growing sharper. "Let me address the elephant in the room: false allegations. When false accusations are made, they don't just ruin the lives of those accused—they undermine the credibility of genuine victims. By weaponizing the justice system, false accusers make it harder for real survivors to come forward."

Sen's eyes narrowed, and he rose to counter. "False allegations? Are we seriously going to undermine the plight of women who have been silenced for centuries because of a few isolated cases? The defense would have you believe that Ms. Ayesha is lying, but where is the evidence to prove that?"

Rohith's voice rose, anger creeping into his tone. "The evidence lies in the timeline, Your Honor. The CCTV footage clearly shows that my client was in Ms. Ayesha's apartment for no more than five minutes. Are we to believe that in those five minutes, he not only committed a crime but also had the presence of mind to leave no trace behind?"

Sen stepped forward, his voice sharp. "And yet, the footage conveniently does not show what happened inside the room. How do we know your client didn't commit the crime and flee, knowing his wealth and status would shield him?"

Rohith's fists clenched, but he kept his composure. "Because, Mr. Sen, my client has no history of such behavior. He has been a public figure for years, and not once has there been an accusation of this nature. On the other hand, Ms. Ayesha's story has inconsistencies that we have yet to address. Her claims of unconsciousness, for example, do not align with the medical reports."

Sen's expression darkened, and he leaned on the podium, his voice dripping with disdain. "Ah, yes, the 'perfect victim' argument. Let me remind the court that many victims of abuse do not behave in ways that society deems 'perfect.' Trauma affects people differently. Are you suggesting that Ms. Ayesha's inconsistencies invalidate her pain?"

Rohith stepped forward, his voice rising with controlled fury. "No, I am suggesting that inconsistencies demand scrutiny, Mr. Sen. The justice system is not a theater for performances. It is a mechanism to discern the truth. And the truth is that my client's life has been torn apart by these allegations. He has lost his career, his reputation, and his freedom based on nothing more than her word and a cleverly crafted narrative."

The courtroom was silent as Rohith continued, his voice steady but impassioned. "Let me remind you of the lives ruined by false allegations. In 2019, a young man in Delhi took his own life after being falsely accused of harassment. His suicide note said he couldn't live with the shame of a crime he didn't commit. Do we want to create a society where the mere accusation is enough to destroy a person?"

Sen's face flushed with anger. "And let me remind you, Mr. Rohith, that for every false allegation, there are countless real cases where women are silenced, intimidated, and dismissed. Men like your client—wealthy, powerful, and untouchable—use their money to erase their crimes. You talk about lives being ruined? Think of the women who have been raped, assaulted, and degraded, their voices drowned by systems that favor men."

Rohith's voice cracked with emotion as he replied. "And what happens when we stop looking for evidence and start convicting based on public opinion? Justice must be blind to status, gender, and wealth. If we allow emotions to dictate the outcome of this case, we risk condemning an innocent man."

The judge, who had been listening intently, raised her hand to silence the escalating argument. "Enough," she said, her voice firm. "This court is here to decide based on evidence and facts, not to indulge in philosophical debates. Mr. Rohith, continue with your evidence."

Rohith took a deep breath, his tone softening but his resolve unbroken. "Your Honor, I ask the court to consider the facts. The CCTV footage, the medical reports, and the inconsistencies in Ms. Ayesha's testimony. I ask this court to rise above the noise and focus on what can be proven, not what is merely alleged."

As the hearing concluded for the day, both lawyers retreated to their respective sides, the tension in the room still palpable. Rohith knew that he had made a strong case, but he also knew that the battle was far from over. Public sentiment was still against Nitish, and the road to justice would be long and treacherous. But for now, he had planted the seeds of doubt, and that was enough to keep fighting.