§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. Burkitt, officiating Judge at Allahabad, recently passed a sentence of six years rigorous imprisonment on the Chaukidar Mahabir for the theft of letters the property of the Post Office; and, having regard to the fact that less severe punishment is inflicted for similar offences in this country, will he suggest the expediency of a reconsideration of the case with a view to a remission of part of the sentence.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) I have observed a report of the case referred to in the newspapers. The accused appears to have committed an extensive series of thefts and to have stolen considerable sums of money contained in the intercepted letters. It is open to him to appeal to the High Court and the Governments of the United Provinces and India in regard to the severity of the sentence, and I see no reason to interfere.