Judicial failure: Many, including Rabia Khan, see the verdict as a failure of the justice system

 


Yes, many observers and Jiah Khan’s ( seen in movies Nishabd, Ghajini, and Housefull) family believe her case reflects a judicial failure, because despite evidence such as alleged bite marks, bruises, and questions about the hanging, the court ultimately acquitted Sooraj Pancholi citing “lack of evidence.”

Why the Case Is Seen as a Judicial Failure


- Initial police narrative: Jiah Khan was found hanging in her Juhu flat on 3 June 2013. Police quickly labelled it suicide, pointing to career struggles and relationship issues.  

- Rabia Khan’s claims: Her mother argued that the death was not suicide. She pointed to injuries on Jiah’s body, including bite marks and bruises, and inconsistencies in the ligature marks. She also highlighted a missing dupatta (the cloth used in the hanging) from police custody.  

- The letter: A six‑page note allegedly written by Jiah described abuse, threats, and emotional trauma linked to her relationship with Sooraj Pancholi. 

This letter became central to the case.  

- Expert opinion: A British forensic expert, Jason Payne‑James, reviewed the evidence and suggested the hanging may have been staged, raising doubts about the suicide theory.  

- Court proceedings:  

  - 2014: Case handed to the CBI.  

  - 2015–2016: CBI maintained it was suicide, but charged Sooraj with abetment.  

  - 2018: Trial began.  

  - 2023: Special CBI court acquitted Sooraj, saying there was “paucity of evidence” and the note could not be conclusively proven to be written by Jiah.  

Public Perception


- Judicial failure: Many, including Rabia Khan, see the verdict as a failure of the justice system. They argue that crucial evidence was ignored or mishandled, and that the missing dupatta and unexplained injuries point to foul play.  

- Legal reasoning: Courts require proof “beyond reasonable doubt.” Since forensic evidence was contested and the suicide note’s authenticity questioned, the judge ruled that conviction was not possible.  

- Ongoing fight: Rabia Khan has vowed to continue appealing in higher courts, insisting her daughter did not die by suicide.  

The Larger Issue

The case highlights systemic problems in India’s judicial process:  


- Delays (10 years for a verdict).  

- Mishandling or disappearance of evidence.  

- Heavy reliance on technicalities rather than broader context.  

- The difficulty of proving psychological abuse and coercion in court.  


In short, while the court acquitted Sooraj Pancholi due to lack of conclusive proof, many believe the justice system failed Jiah Khan by not fully addressing the suspicious evidence and by allowing crucial material to vanish.  


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