HC Deb 05 November 1934 vol 293 cc613-5
7. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. Sarat Chandra Bose, who has been imprisoned without trial since April, 1933, has forwarded representations to the Government of India asking that he may be brought to trial in order that he may be given an opportunity to refute the charges brought against him in the Legislative Assembly; and whether he will advise the Government of India either to bring Mr. Bose to trial or to release him?

Sir S. HOARE

A communication of the nature indicated has been received by the Government of India. As regards the last part of the question Mr. Sarat Chandra Bose, who is a State prisoner detained under Regulation III, was released from jail custody in April, 1933, and since then has been permitted to live in his own house at Giddarpahar. I am not at present prepared to advise any action on the lines suggested in the question.

Mr. WILLIAMS

As this gentleman has been under police supervision for the past 18 months, does not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has now arrived when he should either be released or have some specific charge made against him?

Sir S. HOARE

I am afraid I do not agree with that suggestion. This individual is regarded as a danger in Bengal, and I have no reason to intervene in the action of the Government of Bengal. Two judges have scrutinised the question of his detention, and they are satisfied that he should be detained.

Mr. WILLIAMS

May I ask whether, if this person is regarded as a danger, the nature of the danger should not be brought before the judges referred to and the case dealt with in the ordinary course, so that the man may either be punished for any crime of which he is found guilty or else released?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir. It was the considered policy of the Government of India and the Government of Bengal to intern this individual under Regulation III. That being so, there seems no justification for me taking any further action.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is there any likelihood of a time limit being imposed upon this detention or is it to go on for ever?

Sir S. HOARE

As I have said in my answer, I am not at present prepared to advise on the lines suggested.