The end of the proceedings was characterised by animated discussions between the public prosecutor and defence lawyers as there remained a certain amount of confusion about the case, for which two FIRs had been filed. Sharma, who until this point seemed almost comatose, suddenly sprang to life and started gesturing with his hands. Then, much to the chagrin of his lawyers, he began jabbing two of them in the ribs and said they were not explaining the case properly. When they tried to shut him up, he refused to be quiet and addressed the MM directly.

It was at this point that the magistrate told Sharma's counsel I.U. Khan, ``You didn't bring up this point, but your client doesn't look in good health.'' While the battery of defence lawyers nodded sagely, Sharma stepped forward and whispered: ``I haven't been eating at all.'' Next, Khan piped in, ``He doesn't eat anything. He will fall ill. He has only been having fruits, water and milk.'' And all this while Khan's assistants and Sharma kept shaking their heads in absolute distress.

The magistrate said, ``The police is specially directed on the point of the health of the accused to get him medically examined at regular intervals of 48 hours.'' Apart from that he also directed the police to ensure that Sharma ``is given sufficient quantity'' of fresh water, milk and fruits. Khan interrupted again, ``It should only be Bisleri''.

Next came the question of his appearance: After all, a man whose every move was being monitored by the media needed to look presentable. Sharma told the MM, ``There should be some shaving facilities, so many press people come to interview me.'' Khan nodded and said, ``There is no danger from shaving blades these days as razors have twin blades.'' The MM nodded and said, ``Yes, or even an electric razor can be used.'' Khan again said: ``Or the barber that the police used should be sent to him.'' And then both Sharma and Khan nodded. Finally the magistrate told the police that it should ensure that Sharma was able to shave every once in a while after taking adequate security measures.

The MM again commented on Sharma's health, and then almost on cue he collapsed in a heap on the floor. There was a flurry of activity as three policemen rushed to pick up Sharma, even as two others ran out to get water. And all this while the lawyers kept nodding wisely, with that I-told-you-so look on their faces.

The policemen seated Sharma and then proceeded to pour a jugful of water on his head, drenching him completely. He tossed his head back and then it fell forward, as if in a stupor. His clothes wet, his eyes closed, Sharma next placed his head snugly on the shoulder of the nearest policeman. The cop didn't quite know how to react, so he placed a comforting arm around Sharma until he was ready to leave the courtroom.