§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the case of Bhaskas Vishnu Fadke, editor of the Vihari newspaper, Bombay, who was recently sentenced to two years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 300 for two articles published in his newspaper; and whether, in view of the statement by the prisoner at his trial, he will recommend the Government of India to consider this case with a view to a mitigation of the sentence.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) I find that the editor in question was tried by a Judge of the High Court of Bombay and a jury, the majority being Indians. He was found guilty by the jury with only one dissentient, and sentenced to two years simple imprisonment and a fine of £20. He had previously been warned, but persisted in the publication of the articles complained of. In these circumstances I am not prepared to take the action suggested by the hon. Member, which would be entirely contrary to practice.