HC Deb 15 May 1933 vol 278 cc6-7
10. Mr. MORGAN JONES

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received any reports on the case of Mr. Ambcha Chahiavarti, of Chittagong, who was condemned to death in the Chittagong supplementary case; and whether notice of appeal has been given in this case?

Sir S. HOARE

The sentence of death has been commuted by the Calcutta High Court to one of transportation for life.

Mr. JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether Mr. Chahiavarti was not in point of fact arraigned before the courts on an issue that was rather minor as compared with that which was decided in respect of his colleagues, and whether, when Mr. Chahiavarti was away on account of iliness, some of his colleagues, arraigned on graver charges, were not given more lenient treatment, while he himself on a later occasion was sentenced to death?

Sir S. HOARE

I could not admit the accuracy of that description. If the hon. Member will put down another question on the subject, I will see if I can give him further details.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Arising out of the right hon. Gentleman's previous answer, may I ask if Mr. Chahiavarti has been transported outside the British Empire?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir. Transportation has a technical meaning. It would not mean, so far as I am aware, transportation outside India.