Previous Year Question
Which of the following trials attracted world-wide publicity and drew sympathetic comments from Albert Einstein, H.G. Wells, Harold Laski and Roosevelt in favour of the convicts?
INA trial
Lahore conspiracy case
Meerut conspiracy case
None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The Meerut Conspiracy Case began in 1929 and was connected with the growing Trade Union and Communist Movement in India.
In March 1929, the British Government arrested a number of prominent labour and communist leaders from different places. Major accused included S.A. Dange, Muzaffar Ahmad, Shaukat Usmani, Philip Spratt and Ben Bradley.
The accused were charged with conspiracy against British rule. The trial was conducted at Meerut, and because of its prolonged duration, the accused remained imprisoned for several years.
The case was not merely an investigation into an offence connected with a single strike; it formed part of a wider colonial action against the rapidly organising labour movement and communist activities in India.
The trial received extensive publicity outside India as well. International campaigns were organised in support of the accused, and prominent intellectuals such as Albert Einstein, H.G. Wells and Harold Laski expressed sympathetic views; Roosevelt is also named in the question in the context of this international reaction.
Jawaharlal Nehru himself was associated with efforts relating to the Defence Committee for the Meerut prisoners, their legal assistance and the mobilisation of international support. His correspondence from 1929 also shows that the case was being taken up with Trade Union and political organisations in Britain.
Thus, because of its extensive international publicity and support expressed for the accused, the trial referred to in the question was the Meerut Conspiracy Case.