§ Mr. SUMMERBELL (for Mr. O'Grady)asked the Under-Secretary for India whether the notice of the Government of India has been drawn, by Petition or otherwise, to the fact that a Hindoo merchant in Bombay, named Mr. Premchand Kesavji, who is a native of Jamnagar, has been sentenced to a term of ten years' hard labour and confiscation of property, by His Highness the Jam, on certain criminal charges without any regular trial by the judicial courts of the State; and whether any information as to the nature of the charges, the mode of trial, and the punishment inflicted is in the possession of the Government; and, if not, would he obtain, as soon as possible, the particulars of this act of the Jam?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe Secretary of State has no information relating to this case. It is the established policy of the Government of India not to interfere in the internal affairs of a Native State, except in the case of gross mal-administration. In the absence, therefore, of any authentic statement of the whole facts, the Secretary of State is not prepared to move in the matter.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLAm I to understand that the hon. Gentleman will get the necessary information and will ascertain if the facts are as stated in the question?
The MASTER of ELIBANKI do not think it is necessary. If the facts are as stated they will be reported in due course to us by the Resident in that particular State. I do not think it is necessary to add anything to the reply of the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLDoes the hon. Gentleman give answers without having the facts before him?
The MASTER of ELIBANKI have stated we have no information. If the facts are as stated, they will in due course be reported to us by the Political Resident.
§ Mr. MacNEILLWill the hon. Gentleman convey to the Secretary of State the grave disapproval with which the withholding of information with regard to Indian matters from Members of this House is viewed?