§ Sir HENRY COTTONasked whether the hon. Gentleman was now able to give any information regarding the health and treatment in gaol of Mr. Achyut Balwant Kolhatkar, B.A., LL.B., who was lately sentenced to 15 months' rigorous imprisonment for republishing in his newspaper the speeches of Mr. Arabindo Ghose, and who is alleged on recent transfer from the Nag-pur to the Khundwa gaol to have been taken to the railway station fettered in heavy chains, to which were affixed large iron rods, so that he was only able to walk with great difficulty, bending low and holding up the iron rods; and whether, having regard to the fact that Mr. Ghose was tried for sedition in respect of these speeches and was acquitted, the Secretary of State will direct the release of Mr. Kolhatkar from further imprisonment?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe prisoner is reported to be in good health. The punishment of wearing what are called "bar fetters," weighing 5lb. (not heavy chains and large iron rods as stated by the hon. Member) was awarded for an offence—or a series of offences—in Nagpur gaol. That he was made to walk a considerable distance in public so fettered was 1069 due to mismanagement, of which notice has been taken by the Chief Commissioner. With regard to the latter part of the question, it is not the fact that Mr. Ghose was tried for sedition in respect of those or any other speeches; the charge on which he was acquitted was that of taking part in a conspiracy for the use of bombs.
§ Sir H. COTTONAm I to understand that this gentleman, who is editor of a newspaper, was actually marched through the streets with heavy fetters weighing 5lb.?
The MASTER of ELIBANKI said "bar fetters" not weighing 5lb., but the hon. Member almost suggests by his question that they were a good deal heavier.
§ Mr. F. C. MACKARNESSWhat was the reason for marching a gentleman of this sort through the streets in chains?
The MASTER of ELIBANKI cannot add anything to the answer I have given. My hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham (Sir H. Cotton), who has held a very high position in India, is perfectly well aware that Indian prisoners are constantly removed in this way from one gaol to another. There was, unfortunately, mismanagement in respect to this particular prisoner, and the Chief Commissioner is taking notice of it. Instated so in my reply.
§ Mr. ARNOLD LUPTONMay I ask whether this gentleman is not in prison for publishing speeches for which there was no prosecution or punishment?
§ Mr. LUPTONI understand the answer is that the person who made the speeches was not prosecuted or punished.