§ Mr. MORGAN JONES(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the case of Ambika Charan Chakravarthi who has, under the Ordinances, been tried in connection with the Chittagong Armoury case and sentenced to death; whether he is aware that the accused was not charged with or proved to have been guilty of homicide; that the verdict was not unanimous, and that the co-accused was sentenced to transportation, and whether he will have inquiries made as to the possibility of granting a reprieve?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have been informed of the sentences passed in this case, but have not yet a copy of the Judgment. The accused have the right to appeal to the High Court, and the death sentence cannot in any case be executed until it has been confirmed by the High Court. I am not prepared to intervene at this stage.
§ Mr. JONESMay I ask whether the time that may elapse between the confirmation of the sentence and the promulgation of the sentence is about seven days?
§ Sir S. HOAREIt is a comparatively short period. I have sent a telegram to India asking for further information, and I think the hon. Member may rest assured that there is no risk of the execution taking place until I have received further information on the subject.
§ Mr. JONESI will put a question on Wednesday. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will answer then if he is in a position to do so?
§ Sir S. HOAREI should hope so, but I cannot say.