§ Mr. REESasked whether any, and, if so, what, steps have been taken to make special provision for the family of the late Mr. Jackson, who was assassinated by a Brahmin at Nasik; and whether the existing law provides for the levy of compensation from the inhabitants of the locality in which the crime was committed, or from the local members of the caste to which the assassin belonged?
§ Mr. MONTAGUAs regards the first part of the question, the matter is under the consideration of the Secretary of State, who has every desire to do all that the circumstances of the case naturally demand. As regards the second part of the question, there is no existing law in India under which compensation could be levied in the circumstances stated. The matter has been fully considered, and even if the principle of such a fine were accepted, the difficulties of defining the limits of "caste" for purposes of penal assessment are held to be practically insuperable.