Execution of Bhagat Singh: Legal Heresies of the Raj

Bhagat Singh was an Indian nationalist and a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He was executed at 23 for murder, having already received a life sentence for bombing the Central Assembly in Delhi. The British authorities used controversial legislative powers to try and convict him, but the Ordinance was never approved by the Central Assembly or British Parliament. A three-judge Special Tribunal was mandated to hear the case, but the prosecution witnesses were not allowed to be cross-examined.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2020
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Bhagat Singh, a revered Indian nationalist, stands as one of the most influential revolutionaries in the history of the Indian independence movement. His remarkable reputation has surpassed all other participants in the struggle, including the iconic Mahatma Gandhi. Upon initial contemplation, it may seem unfathomable that a man of just twenty-three years of age would be executed on charges of murder, having already been sentenced to life imprisonment for the bombing of the Central Assembly in Delhi. However, it is essential to acknowledge that pre-independence India witnessed two distinct paths to freedom: one rooted in the principles of nonviolent Gandhism, advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, and the other a Marxist revolutionary call-to-arms movement championed by Bhagat Singh.

Had Bhagat Singh lived, the course of history in the Indian subcontinent would have taken a profoundly different turn. In their quest to bring justice to Bhagat Singh, the British authorities resorted to controversial legislative powers to enact an Ordinance, ostensibly aimed at preserving peace, order, and good government. This Ordinance was subsequently employed to prosecute, convict, and execute Bhagat Singh and two of his co-conspirators. Notably, the Ordinance was never approved by the Central Assembly or British Parliament. To address the crimes committed by Bhagat Singh and his comrades, a Special Tribunal of three judges was established, with a strict deadline for completing the hearing. However, an astonishing twist occurred when the 457 prosecution witnesses were not permitted to undergo cross-examination.

This decision raised significant concerns about the fairness and integrity of the judicial process. It highlighted the power dynamics at play and the limitations imposed on the defense by the British authorities. The absence of cross-examination allowed the prosecution to present a one-sided narrative, leaving the defense with limited opportunities to challenge the evidence and present their case. It raises questions about the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in a nation striving for freedom and democracy.

Bhagat Singh's legacy continues to inspire and motivate generations of Indians, both within and outside of India. His unwavering commitment to freedom, his bold actions, and his unwavering belief in the power of nonviolence have left an indelible mark on the history of the Indian independence movement. His life and teachings serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals and the ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and freedom.

In conclusion, Bhagat Singh's life and execution serve as a poignant reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of the Indian independence movement. His reputation as a revolutionary and his contributions to the struggle for freedom have transcended borders and time. The British authorities' actions in punishing him and his co-conspirators through controversial legislative powers highlight the power dynamics at play and the limitations imposed on the defense. Bhagat Singh's legacy continues to inspire and motivate us to strive for a better world, where justice, equality, and freedom are not just ideals but a reality for all.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445689760