In the consequent trial, Manu Sharma and a number of others were acquitted on 21st February, 2006.

Following media and pressure of the public, the prosecution appealed and Delhi High Court conducted proceedings on a fast track with daily hearings, which was conducted for over 25 days. But as a criminal cannot escape from the law - the trial court judgment was overturned, and Manu Sharma was found guilty of having murdered Lal. He then was sentenced to life imprisonment on 20th December, 2006.

Jessica Lal was one of the several models working at an unlicensed bar at a party in the Tamarind Court restaurant that lies within the Qutub Colonnade, a renovated palace overlooking the Qutub Minar in Mehrauli. Like any other bar, this bar also had its closing timing . When Manu Sharma walked in with three of his friends and demanded to be served liquor Jessica refused to serve and said that the bar had run out of liquor. Moreover, at any event the bars stop liquor sales around 12:30 AM.