INSPIRED BY TILAK

The immortal words of the great revolutionary still resonate within the judiciary as it strives to be uphold righteousness. This is the foundation of “Dharam Rajya”

- Nikhil Goel

IMPERIAL LEGACY

The trial of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1908 was on the charge of sedition due to an article of his in The Kesari

DURING a recent hearing, Justice DY Chandrachud, senior judge of the Supreme Court, revealed the significance of some immortal words of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a towering leader of India's Independence movement. The remarks of Justice Chandrachud were inspired after he saw a painting in the background of the appearing Senior Counsel. He revealed that he had read those words every day when he was in that High Court as the words had great significance for justice.

This is not surprising as the immortal words represent a courageous willingness to suffer for a cause. The plaque carrying these words is installed on the second floor of the Court, just outside the central court where Tilak's trial took place in 1908. The words are: “In spite of the verdict of the jury, I maintain that I am innocent. There are higher powers that rule the destiny of men and nations and it may be the will of providence that the cause which I represent may prosper more by my suffering than by my remaining free."

During the trial, Tilak chose to represent himself. Records of the trial show that his defence was not only formidable, but put to the sword the very provisions he was sought to be convicted under.