Arjun stood silently, his breathing heavy and laboured. Suyash picked up a sheet of paper and said, "Look, Arjun, statements under Section 161 CrPC are recorded by the police. They are made without any oath, which is why their evidentiary value is very limited. Courts do not treat them as the ultimate truth."
Arjun nodded faintly in acknowledgment, but confusion was clearly visible in his eyes. The law still felt like a bewildering maze to him.
Suyash noticed this. He lowered his voice, as though revealing a sacred secret. "Statements under Section 161 merely guide the direction of the investigation. They cannot be used to prove anyone guilty."
"The law does not allow an innocent person's life to be destroyed without concrete evidence… and it must never do so."
A heavy silence fell over the chamber for a few moments. Then Suyash picked up the next document — one pertaining to Section 164 CrPC. These were statements recorded before a Magistrate, under oath. Their importance was far greater than those under Section 161.
"But," Suyash continued, "in your case, the 164 statement is incomplete. That works in our favour. It clearly shows that the investigation was conducted in haste and with prejudice."
The crushing weight that had been pressing upon Arjun's mind began to lighten, if only slightly.
Outside, the sun blazed fiercely, yet inside the chamber, a cool breeze lingered, making one feel the need for a half-sweater. Every faint sound drifting in from just beyond the chamber door seemed to hide an untold story.
Suyash rose from his chair, walked over to the window, and gazed at the bright sunlight outside.
The hustle and bustle around the photocopy shops and tea stalls had begun to pick up.
"The real battle in court is about the 'Burden of Proof'," he said.
Arjun watched him from behind. That single line seemed to shake awake every hidden fear within his heart.
Turning around, Suyash declared, "The burden of proof lies on the prosecution, not on you. They have to prove that you are guilty." "It is not for you to prove your innocence."
For the first time, Arjun truly understood these subtle nuances of the law and felt its immense power — a power that safeguards every ordinary citizen, something most common people never even comprehend.
Suyash removed his spectacles and placed them on the table. In a soft, measured tone, he said, "Our Constitution grants us the principles of Natural Justice. No person can be declared guilty without being heard, without proper inquiry, and without following a fair procedure."
He placed two fingers on the table, as if measuring the heartbeat of his own words."Audi alteram partem — hear the other side before you decide. This is the very foundation of natural justice.
"Arjun did not fully grasp the Latin phrase, yet its meaning etched itself deeply into his heart. He picked up an old document. His name was written on it as the accused. Just that single sheet of paper had been enough to drag his entire life into the dock.
His eyes welled up. In a choked voice, he asked, "Suyash bhai sahab, can one piece of paper really change a man's entire life?"
Suyash stepped closer and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Not the paper, Arjun… but the people standing behind that paper. And it is those very people whom we shall expose, one by one, in the court of law."
Arjun could not speak. He simply looked up at Suyash with deep, unwavering trust.
While making notes, Suyash continued, "The 161 statements are full of contradictions. There is no proper 164 statement at all. The CDR (Call Detail Records) is incomplete — either hidden or only partially procured. Even the attitude of the victim's family in the missing person report raises serious questions."
He flipped through the pages rapidly, his mind working like a precision machine. The call locations did not match. The timeline had inexplicable gaps of several hours.
Shreya's mother's statements had kept changing in haste. The police had not even attached the forensic report. The neighbours' statements told two entirely different stories. Every page seemed to favour Arjun — all that was needed was a sharp mind to recognise it. And Suyash was leaving no stone unturned in this case.
In a quiet voice, Arjun asked, "Bhai sahab, why are you doing so much… and that too for me?
So many lawyers just take money and keep getting dates adjourned. You haven't even charged me any fees."
Suyash did not laugh. He simply smiled — a smile that carried both deep resolve and quiet satisfaction."Because you are innocent. And fighting for the innocent is not merely a job — it is a mission."
"You have served the country as a soldier and a guardian. You have made unparalleled contributions to our nation's security. If I can be of any help to you, that itself gives me immense satisfaction."
Placing a hand affectionately on Arjun's shoulder once again, Suyash added with a gentle smile, "And since I'm not charging you any fees, I certainly don't want to tolerate a free client for too many days either."
Hearing these words, Arjun's eyes lowered in profound gratitude. That day, he realised he was not alone. There were still good people in the world, and it was on the strength of such people that humanity continued to survive.
Closing the file, Suyash said, "The law does not exist only in books, Arjun. It also lives in trust. And we will not allow this trust to be broken."
For the first time, Arjun felt that trust with unshakeable firmness. Until that moment, he had never held the legal profession in such high regard. For the first time, he felt like bowing his head in respect before a lawyer. His heart was deeply moved by Suyash and Sinha Sahab.
Amidst the piles of files and documents, amidst the fog of accusations and suspicion, Arjun felt, for the first time, that he was not alone. Truth was on his side. The law was on his side. And a courageous, determined warrior like Suyash stood firmly beside him at every step.The heavy burden on his chest grew lighter. He drew a breath of relief.
Sometimes, it is not just sound legal advice, but the pure intention of one good human being that saves you. And Suyash's intentions were noble and steeped in justice.
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