Maximum sentence for destruction of evidence is 3 years, and the actress has already served more than this period as an undertrial.
While there were tears of joy pouring out of Maria Susairaj’s eyes at the sheer possibility of being able to walk free just a day after her conviction, even in her spur of happiness she did not forget to ensure that her lawyer begins preparing for an appeal in the higher court.
“Why should I live with the stigma of being a convict all my life when I have done nothing wrong,” were the first few lines of Maria while got into conversation with her lawyer Shaikh M Sharif and brother Richard soon after Judge MW Chandwani pronounced their conviction.
Convicted for destruction of evidence under Section 201 of the Indian Penal Code in the Neeraj Grover murder case, she may be let off on Friday when the judge will decide the sentence, considering that she has already spent 3 years in custody and the maximum sentence for destruction of evidence is three years.
“I am happy I can take her home with me,” said Richard Susairaj, who looked visibly relieved after the verdict. However, the aura in the court was nothing similar to what it turned to be towards the end of the day. Susairaj, who was also seen breaking down on the second day of the dictation of the order, was seen losing her calm again during the lunch hour.
Families of both the accused attempted to make closed door conversation inside the court room but they were occasionally interrupted by the police and the media. Maria’s sister Veronica, who fainted on the second day, chose not to join Richard in court on the verdict day. However, Richard was quick in conveying the good news to family. “I shall speak to the media at length on Friday. However, right now I am in a rush to make my first call to convey the relieving verdict to my family members,” said Richard.
Maria’s lawyer has already begun making arrangements for appealing in the higher court. “Though the order is a relief to a certain extent but we certainly want to pitch for complete acquittal. If her confession has been considered it should be either completely believed or completely disbelieved. Whatever she did was under threat to her life and that cannot be considered to be her fault,” said Susairaj’s lawyer Sharif.
Having convicted both Susairaj and Jerome the court now awaits the arguments for the quantum of the punishment for both the convicts.
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