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CURRENT AFFAIRS
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On the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Prime Minister paid homage to Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, recognizing his courageous and unwavering stand against British oppression. His legacy as a voice of resistance and justice continues to inspire generations.
Legacy Of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair: A Fearless Nationalist and Legal Luminary
Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, a towering figure in India’s legal and political history, was born in 1857 into a prominent aristocratic family from Mankara village in the Palakkad district of present-day Kerala. His early education culminated at Presidency College, Madras, where he developed a keen interest in law. He began his illustrious legal career under the mentorship of Sir Horatio Shepherd, who later rose to become the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
Distinguished Roles And Prestigious Honours
President of Indian National Congress (1897) - At the age of 40, Nair was elected as the youngest President of the Indian National Congress a distinction he holds as the only Malayali to assume the position.
Member of Raleigh University Commission (1902) - Appointed by Lord Curzon, he played a key role in evaluating and recommending reforms for higher education in India.
Imperial Honours - 1904: Bestowed with the title of Companion of the Indian Empire. 1912: Knighted by the British Crown for his distinguished service in law and administration.
Judicial Reforms - Appointed as a permanent judge of the Madras High Court in 1908, Nair was celebrated for delivering forward-looking, reform-oriented judgments.
Viceroy’s Executive Council (1915) - Entrusted with the education portfolio, he contributed significantly to administrative reforms.
Champion Of Indian Self-Governance
Sankaran Nair was a fierce advocate for India’s right to self-determination. He actively supported the constitutional reforms under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919, which marked a gradual shift in administrative powers to Indian leaders through dyarchy in the provinces.
However, the tragic events of April 13, 1919 the Jallianwala Bagh massacre served as a turning point. In a bold act of protest, Nair resigned from the Viceroy’s Executive Council, denouncing the brutality inflicted on unarmed civilians by British troops under General Dyer. His resignation sent shockwaves through the colonial administration and catalyzed several important changes:
Removal of press censorship in Punjab
Withdrawal of martial law
Establishment of the Hunter Commission to investigate the massacre
The Landmark Legal Battle: Nair vs. O’Dwyer
In a powerful critique through his writings, Sir Sankaran Nair held Michael O’Dwyer, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, accountable for the massacre due to his oppressive policies. In retaliation, O’Dwyer initiated a defamation lawsuit in a British court in 1922.
The trial, lasting over five and a half weeks, became the longest-running civil defamation case in Britain at the time.
Despite a jury verdict that overwhelmingly favored O’Dwyer (11–1), the proceedings laid bare the prejudiced nature of the British legal system.
One dissenting juror, Harold Laski, a noted Marxist and political theorist, supported Nair’s claims.
Though Nair lost the case, his stand intensified the Indian nationalist movement and exposed British injustice to the global stage.
A Lasting Influence
Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair remains a pivotal figure in India’s fight for freedom. His unwavering courage, moral clarity, and commitment to justice left an indelible mark on the country’s legal and political legacy. His actions, particularly in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, continue to serve as a testament to the power of principled resistance.
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