THE BISHOP OF CARLISLEasked the Secretary of State for India, with reference to the case of the Hindoo lady Rukhmabai, Whether it was coming home by way of appeal to Her Majesty's Council from the Government of India, or whether the Government of India 942 was taking any steps with regard to it? The case involved a very broad question which affected not only the unfortunate lady herself, who had been put into prison because she refused to live with her husband, to whom she was betrothed when a child, but also the happiness and domestic life of all Hindoo women. If the noble Viscount could give any information on the subject, it would be very acceptable.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Viscount CROSS)We have no recent information regarding Rukhmabai's case. The latest, which is taken from the proceedings sent home by the Government of India, relates to the issue last year of a letter from that Government to the several Local Governments as to proposed amendments of the Civil Procedure Code, 1882, in its provisions relating to the execution of decrees for restitution of conjugal rights. We are not yet aware whether replies have been received from the Local Governments.