The opening scene shows a fellow lawyer praising Uttam Kumar’s character Shankar for
saving a client from getting a death sentence. Meanwhile, the latter mentions “Ei dosh bochor
katiye ukil howa khub shokto (Meaning: Spending these 10 years and then becoming a lawyer is very difficult). Well yes, it is not easy to become a lawyer or a judge. Inasmuch as we have faith in the Indian judiciary system, it is also quite vulnerable and easily susceptible to corruption as beautifully illustrated in the 1955 Bengali film starring superstars Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen in the lead roles.

When I first watched the film, I simply watched it for fun, not, however realizing the many policy implications hidden and embedded in it. ShodhEco’s Policinema Series, however somehow nudged me to seek the hidden policy easter eggs that the film portrayed. Let me take you on a ride on how this film is relevant to public policy by exploring justice, law, and societal norms, without giving any spoilers:)

1. Justice and the Legal System: The central theme of “Sabar Uparey” revolves around the pursuit of justice. Shankar, a lawyer, is determined to uncover the truth behind a wrongful conviction. This focus on justice and the flaws within the legal system highlights the importance of legal reforms and the need for policies that ensure fairness and due process in the judicial system. The film underscores the potential for errors in the legal system and the necessity for mechanisms that allow for correction and review.
2. Human Rights and Fair Trial: The wrongful conviction and the fight to exonerate the innocent person draw attention to human rights issues, particularly the right to a fair trial. Public policy must safeguard these rights by ensuring that legal frameworks protect individuals from miscarriages of justice. The film’s narrative can be seen as an advocacy for stronger protections against wrongful convictions, which is a key concern in public policy, particularly in criminal justice reform.
3. Ethical Responsibility in Public Service: Shankar exhibits a strong sense of ethical responsibility as he fights against corruption and injustice, even when faced with personal and professional risks. This reflects the broader theme of ethical behavior in public service, which is crucial in public policy. The film suggests that those in positions of power, particularly in the legal and judicial systems, must act with integrity and prioritize the public good over personal gain.
4. Impact of Corruption on Society: The movie also deals with the consequences of corruption within the legal system. The film critiques how corruption can lead to gross injustices and undermine public trust in institutions. A lawyer has been portrayed as corrupt in the film and shown as someone who fought the murder case biasedly, leading to the imprisonment of Shankar’s father who is in fact innocent. This theme is highly relevant to public policy, as combating corruption is essential for creating a fair and just society. Public policy must include measures to prevent, detect, and punish corruption to maintain the integrity of public institutions.
5. Social Justice and Reform: The film advocates for social justice by addressing the flaws in the system that allow for the exploitation of the vulnerable. Public policy often aims to correct such systemic issues by implementing reforms that promote equity and protect the rights of all citizens, particularly those who are marginalized.
6. Role of the Media and Public Opinion: In the film, the media and public opinion play roles in shaping the narrative and influencing the course of justice. This reflects the real-world impact of media on public policy, where media coverage can bring attention to issues of injustice, influence public opinion, and prompt policy changes. In the film, Rita’s(played by
   Sen) brother is a journalist who tries to gather evidence from various sources in order to reopen the Hemangini murder case.
7. Individual Responsibility in Society: Shankar embodies the idea that individuals have a role to play in shaping society. This theme resonates with the concept of civic responsibility in public policy, where active participation by citizens is encouraged to foster a healthy, functioning democracy.

To conclude, it is a highly recommended movie for all those who would want to
connect it with public policy because it deals with themes of justice, legal integrity,
human rights, and the fight against corruption—issues that are central to creating fair
and effective public policies. The film serves as a narrative that highlights the
importance of these elements in building a just society.