§ 9. Mr. BROCKWAYasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the number of prosecutions which are taking place in India under the Indian Penal Code, Clause 124a; and whether he will take steps to secure that prosecutions are limited in political cases to acts of violence or definite incitements to violence?
§ Mr. BENNI am aware that a certain number of prosecutions under Section 124a have been instituted recently in India. The question whether a prosecution is necessary is a matter for the local authorities to decide. But prosecutions are not instituted unless there is believed to be clear evidence of a breach of the Section.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs not this Clause of a wide nature, enabling prosecutions to take place if anything is done to bring the Government into hatred and contempt, and might not such a charge have been made against Ministers of this House if that provision had been in operation in this country prior to 30th May?