Indian Law Changed: Nanavati Murder Trial Abolished Jury Trials Similar to OJ Simpson

In 1959, Indian Navy Commander KM Nanavati was accused of murdering his wife’s lover, Prem Ahuja. The case bore striking similarities to the OJ Simpson trial in the United States, capturing the public’s attention. Nanavati’s wife, Sylvia, had confessed to him about her affair while he was away on missions.

Nanavati then confronted Ahuja, and after Ahuja refused to marry Sylvia, Nanavati shot and killed him. Nanavati confessed to the crime immediately and also confessed in court. Despite this, he was declared ‘not guilty’ of premeditated murder by a jury.

However, the Bombay High Court later dismissed this verdict and found Nanavati guilty, sentencing him to life in prison. Ultimately, the case had a significant impact, inspiring books and movies, including the 2016 film ‘Rustom.’ Nanavati and his family eventually emigrated to Canada after he was granted a pardon and the case became the last to be heard as a jury trial in India before the government abolished jury trials.