________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
109
TEL
fee as he demanded besides paying his travel expenses. The case had gone up to the Privy Council. Pandit Motilal Nehru also went there. The file relating to the case was given to him but he returned it without seeing it.
The hearing began. Pandit Motilal went to the Court every day and sat quietly hearing and observing all that was being said and done but he said nothing. The barristers there thought that the poor Indian barrister was unable to do anything and that since no argument flashed to him, he sat silent. The woman also was greatly worried because, the case had reached its final stage and beyond that she could appeal only to God.
The judge announced, “This is the final stage of hearing. If any one has anything to say on behalf of any one involved in the case; he may speak out. The judgement will be given tomorrow.” On hearing this, the woman and her sympathisers looked at Pandit Motilal Nehru hopefully. But, all were disappointed because he sat mute like a statue.
The next day the judge announced his decision, which had been fully prepared. The murderer was declared innocent and his acquittal was ordered. The widow's face turned pale with bitter disappointment and sorrow. The tears flowed from her eyes. Just then, Pandit Motilal got up from his chair. He went slowly toward the box in which the murderer was standing.
The murderer was in a mood of great elation because he had escaped punishment. Pandit Motilal shook hands with him, and congratulated him saying, “By God's grace you have been declared innocent. In future, never commit such an offence. Please remember this.” The murderer said, “I am not a fool to commit such a serious offence again." All heard this statement. Pandit Motilal said in a loud voice, “My Lord, do you need evidence even now? The offender himself has confessed his crime.”
The situation became reversed. Law depends on evidence. In this case, the offender himself had given evidence; he himself had acted as a witness. The judge at
For Private And Personal Use Only
