SUBJECT- LAW OF EVIDENCE
TOPIC – MOVIE REVIEW
NAME – DIGVIJAY TANPURE
CLASS – TY. BBA- LLB
DIVISION – B
PRN NO. 1182220119
SUBMITTED TO – PROF.NUVITA KALRA
The film Pink (2016) Is a critically acclaimed Bollywood movie that revolves around the
themes of women’s rights, consent, and the legal system in India. Here’s a detailed analysis
of the case presented in the film in relation to the Law of Evidence:
1. Introduction (Brief Summary of the Case)
Pink follows the story of three young women—Minal (Taapsee Pannu), Falak (Kirti Kulhari),
and Andrea (Andrea Tariang)—who are assaulted by a group of influential men after attending a
party. The case takes a significant turn when the men, led by a prominent politician’s nephew,
accuse the women of lying and attempt to discredit them by calling them immoral. The women
are forced to face societal judgment and a challenging legal battle, which is taken up by an
experienced and determined lawyer, Deepak Sehgal (Amitabh Bachchan).
2. Relevance to Law of Evidence
The movie is deeply relevant to the Law of Evidence, especially in terms of how legal
proceedings unfold when it comes to cases involving sexual assault, consent, and the credibility
of witnesses. Several aspects of the Law of Evidence come into play:
Burden of Proof: In the case, the burden of proving the accusations lies with the prosecution. The
defense attempts to cast doubt on the women’s integrity and credibility, challenging the
reliability of their testimonies.
Credibility of Witnesses: A key part of the case revolves around how the witnesses (the women)
are questioned and whether their character is deemed relevant to their testimony. The concept of
corroboration comes into play as the defense tries to prove that the women were lying.
Cross-Examination: The movie showcases intense courtroom cross-examinations where the
lawyer for the defense tries to undermine the women’s testimonies. This illustrates how the rules
of evidence are applied in determining whether the defendant’s version of events holds true.
Character Evidence: A key theme in the film is how the women are judged based on their
character, which is often considered in legal proceedings but can also be used to prejudge or
dismiss the legitimacy of their claims.
3. Realism v. Fiction (How Accurately the Real Legal Principles or Proceedings Have
Been Showcased?)
Pink does an impressive job of reflecting real-world legal principles, although some aspects have
been dramatized for cinematic effect. Here’s a breakdown:
Accurate Portrayal:
The film accurately shows how a rape or assault case can be subject to societal biases, especially
regarding the victim’s character. In India, the societal stigma attached to women’s sexuality and
their reputation often affects the outcome of such cases.
The courtroom procedures, like cross-examination, presenting evidence, and the role of the
defense and prosecution, are depicted well.
The film also highlights the complex legal process where victims must prove their case against
powerful, influential defendants.
Dramatization:
While the movie shows real legal principles like burden of proof, the actual process of court
trials may not always move as quickly or dramatically as shown. In reality, such cases can often
take years, whereas the movie condenses it for narrative effect.
The movie also includeincludees some dramatic moments in the courtroom that are heightened
for emotional impact, such as Deepak Sehgal’s impassioned monologues, which are not always
typical in real-life trials.
4. Learning Points (What New Concepts/Principles Have You Learned from the
Movie?)
Consent: The film emphasizes the concept of affirmative consent and how it is crucial to
determine whether an act is consensual or not. It also discusses how lack of consent does not
always need to be proven physically, but can be inferred from circumstances and behavior.
Social Bias in Legal Cases: The movie effectively sheds light on the prejudice that exists in legal
systems, where the credibility of a victim is often questioned based on her sexual history or
character. This is a crucial learning point about how social biases can influence legal
proceedings.
Empowerment of Women: The movie brings attention to the importance of women standing up
for their rights and the legal mechanisms that can protect them, even when they face societal or
systemic pushback.
Legal Ethics and Advocacy: Deepak Sehgal’s role as a lawyer highlights the importance of legal
ethics, the duty of a lawyer to defend their clients with dedication, and the importance of a fair
trial. The film illustrates how a lawyer must not only be skilled in law but also sensitive to the
emotional and moral aspects of their client’s case.
In conclusion, Pink is a compelling film that accurately touches on key aspects of the Law of
Evidence and legal principles while also emphasizing the role of social biases, consent, and
justice. It raises awareness of how the legal system handles sensitive cases like sexual assault and
sheds light on the challenges faced by women in both the courtroom and society.