HC Deb 14 October 1908 vol 194 cc296-7
SIR H. COTTON

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to a recent notification in the Central Provinces Gazette depriving one Sheoraj Singh, a retired tuhzildar, of his pension on the ground of his participation in political agitation; whether he can state the specific character of the agitation in which this retired official took part; and whether he will make inquiries into the facts of this case with a view to the reversal of the orders passed.

MR. BUCHANAN

The details of the conduct of Sheoraj Singh, in consequence of which he was deprived of his pension under Article 351 of the Pension Code, have not been reported to the Secretary of State. It is open to Sheoraj Singh to submit an appeal in the usual manner against the order, if he desires to do so.

SIR H. COTTON

Has he done so? Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry into this case, which appears to be of a peculiarly scandalous nature?

MR. BUCHANAN

No, Sir. The accused has the right of appeal. Whether he has done so, I cannot say, but the Government cannot interfere.

*MR REES

Does the rule under which this officer was deprived of his pension apply, and if not, should it not apply to all classes of pensioners of the Government of India?

MR. BUCHANAN

That is a question of a far-reaching character of which I must have notice.

SIR H. COTTON

Am I to understand the Government of India hold that if a pensioner takes part in a political agitation he is liable to be deprived of his pension?

MR. BUCHANAN

I cannot give a general answer to such a general Question. I have answered the Question on the Paper.