In an unusual courtroom scene that has sparked widespread attention, a retired chemistry professor accused of killing her husband left judges visibly stunned with a highly technical response to forensic evidence presented during her trial.

During a hearing at the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Jabalpur Bench, 60-year-old Mamta Pathak currently out on bail was questioned about her alleged role in the electrocution death of her husband, Neeraj Pathak, a retired government doctor. The bench, comprising Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Devnarayan Mishra, sought her reaction to post-mortem findings suggesting electrocution.

The courtroom fell silent when she responded:

“Sir, it is not possible to differentiate between thermal burn marks and electric burn marks in a post-mortem room.”

Pathak then launched into a detailed explanation about how electric current behaves upon contact with human tissue, citing chemical interactions, acid-based separations during lab tests, and metal particle deposits asserting that such distinctions can only be made through laboratory analysis, not by visual inspection.

Justice Agarwal, clearly taken aback, interrupted and asked, “Are you a Chemistry professor?” To which she calmly replied, “Yes.”

The brief exchange, captured in court footage, has since gone viral on social media, with many users calling her statement a “masterclass in science” and comparing the moment to scenes from courtroom dramas.

The Crime and Trial

The case dates back to April 29, 2021, in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, when Mamta Pathak allegedly gave her husband a strong dose of sleeping pills before killing him using electric shock. According to investigators, she left for Jhansi with her son immediately afterward and only returned two days later, reporting Neeraj’s death as if she had just discovered it.

Initial denials gave way to a turning point when a voice note, reportedly recorded by Neeraj Pathak before his death, surfaced. In the recording, he accuses his wife of torturing him. Further evidence came from their driver, who testified that Mamta confessed to having made a “big mistake.”

Their marriage, investigators found, had a long history of discord. Mamta had once filed a complaint against Neeraj, alleging that he was drugging her food and abusing her though she later withdrew it.

A sessions court found her guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced her to life imprisonment. She later appealed the verdict and was granted bail by the High Court last year. After a recent hearing on April 29, the bench has reserved its decision. Mamta Pathak continues to remain on bail until a final judgment is delivered.

Viral Reaction and Public Debate

The unusual courtroom moment quickly spread online, with many reacting to the clarity and precision of Mamta’s scientific argument. A user identified as Dr. Sheeta Yadav shared the video and wrote, “The name of this elderly woman is Mamta Pathak, and she has been a professor. She was convicted of her husband’s murder. For this reason, she is personally handling her legal defence in the Mamta Pathak vs State of Madhya Pradesh case. This is why it is said that education is very important so that no one can take away your rights.”

According to police, during initial interrogation, Mamta admitted to giving her husband sleeping pills and using electric shock to end his life allegedly driven by suspicions of an extramarital affair. This confession was documented in the police chargesheet and remains a key element of the case.

As the High Court prepares to deliver its final ruling, this extraordinary case continues to raise questions about justice, self-representation, and the intersection of education and legal strategy.