The question (13 marks)
Narrate the Nanavati trial through its successive stages, state the test of grave and sudden provocation as the Supreme Court laid it down, and explain what the case teaches about the distinction between a question of fact and a question of law and about competing constitutional powers. (13 marks)
MU Module II, head 2.3.2; pack ch. 02, the Nanavati trial.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 2 · Legal Concepts, Reading Judgments and Trials of Legal Writing and Legal Language.
Authorities you will need
- K.M. Nanavati v State of Maharashtra
- K.M. Nanavati v State of Bombay
- Indian Penal Code, s. 300 Exception 1, ss. 302 and 304 Part I
- Code of Criminal Procedure then in force, s. 307
- Constitution of India, articles 142 and 161
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.