Author: A G Noorani
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 365
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0195678176
Description
On 23 March 1931, Bhagat Singh and two of his associates were hanged at the Lahore Central Jail. This was the culmination of the notorious Lahore Conspiracy Case, one of the most controversial trials to take place in India under the Raj.
This book reveals how the executive and the legislative branches of the British government in India conspired to ensure the miscarriage of justice. The volume follows from the author's continued interest in political trials and the use of courts as political weapons.
With a new introduction that also incorporates new archival material, this lucidly written, elegantly argued, and erudite book will be invaluable to historians, legal professionals, legal historians, political scientists, journalists, and an informed general audience.
REVIEWS
The most remarkable part of the book for me is, the text of Mohammed Ali Jinnah's Speech in the central legislative assembly on September 12 and 14, 1929. His was the most forthright statement in defence of Bhagat Singh from among the leading Indian politicians of the time. It is relevant to remember that where principles of law and norms of justice were threatened, Jinnah's voice was that of a fearless India.
-Late J N Dixit, former National Security Advisor
In an age where the powers assumed by the state against its citizens, far exceeds even the most gross abuses of the colonial system, Bhagat Singh's example is singularly relevant, and the author is to be congratulated for bringing it into focus.
-Joya Chaterji, London School of Economics
Contents
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
The Man and the Phenomenon
The Family and Politics
Saunders Murder
Bombs in the Central Assembly
Hour of Trial
When Jinnah Defended Bhagat Singh
The Magisterial Farce
Trial by Tribunal
A Hand-picked Tribunal
The Judgement
Ritual in the Privy Council
If Lord Atkin were on the Board?
The Execution
Gandhi s Truth
EPILOGUE
APPENDIX I-APPENDIX XIII
INDEX