What is jessica lal?

Jessica Lal

Jessica Lal (c. 1965 – April 30, 1999) was a model in New Delhi, India. She was working as a bartender at a crowded social gathering when she was shot dead on April 30, 1999, at around 2 am. The prime accused, Manu Sharma, the son of a wealthy and influential politician, was later convicted of her murder.

• The Murder: Jessica Lal's murder became a landmark case in India due to the initial acquittal of the accused and the subsequent public outcry that led to a retrial and conviction.

• The Accused: Manu Sharma, son of Congress politician Venod Sharma, was the primary accused in the case. His initial acquittal sparked widespread outrage.

• The Trial and Verdict: The initial trial in 2006 resulted in the acquittal of all the accused, due to witnesses turning hostile. This led to massive public protests and media campaigns demanding justice for Jessica Lal. Subsequently, the Delhi High Court took up the case, conducted a fast-track trial, and convicted Manu Sharma of murder in December 2006. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

• Aftermath and Justice: The Jessica Lal case became a symbol of the fight against corruption and influence in the Indian judicial system. The case highlighted the issue of witness intimidation and the power of money and political connections in influencing legal proceedings. Manu Sharma was eventually granted premature release in 2020 after serving over 16 years in prison.