HC Deb 13 July 1905 vol 149 cc550-1
MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the petition presented to the House by the Member for South Down signed by 600 inhabitants, the former subjects of the Rajput chief of Pannah, Madho Singh, who has been banished on alleged false charges, praying that he may be restored; will the Government ascertain from the Viceroy of India before what tribunal the Raja was tried; what was the constitution of the Court; how the decision was received in the district; and what answer the Indian Government has to offer to the statements in the petition.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

My attention has been called to the petition referred to. I made a full statement on the subject in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for North Manchester on the 30th June,† 1904, to which I would refer the hon. Member. I then stated that a Commission had been appointed to investigate judicially charges of murder by poison in which the ex-Maharaja was implicated; and that the Views of the Government of India on the findings of the Commission, and the action taken thereon, were published in the Gazette of India in a Resolution dated the 21st April, 1902.

MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)

Before what tribunal was he tried?

MR. BRODRICK

The whole question was gone into judicially by the Indian Government in the usual manner.

MR. MACVEAGH

Was he not banished without any trial and without any charge being preferred against him?

MR. BRODRICK

The whole matter was carefully considered.

MR. WEIR

Several times, years ago, I asked a similar Question and never could get a satisfactory Answer.