Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, a prominent nationalist and jurist. He brought into light Nair’s courageous legal battle against British officials following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. This year marks the 106th anniversary of that tragic event. Nair’s fight for justice has been the subject of renewed interest, particularly with the upcoming film “Kesari Chapter 2,” based on a book by his great-grandson.

Early Life and Education

Chettur Sankaran Nair was born in 1857 in Mankara, Kerala. He belonged to an aristocratic family. Nair graduated from Presidency College in Madras, where he earned his law degree. His education laid the foundation for his future legal career.

Legal Career and Reforms

Nair began his legal career under Sir Horatio Shepherd, who later became Chief Justice of Madras High Court. He quickly gained a reputation for his unwavering commitment to justice. Nair became the youngest president of the Indian National Congress in 1897. His judgements often reflected his dedication to social reform. He ruled in favour of inter-caste and inter-religious marriages, challenging prevailing societal norms.

Role in Nationalist Movement

Nair was a strong advocate for India’s self-governance. In 1919, he played role in expanding the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms. These reforms aimed to increase Indian participation in governance. Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he resigned from the Viceroy’s Council to protest British actions.

The Defamation Case

Nair’s most notable legal battle was against Michael O’Dwyer, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. O’Dwyer sued Nair for defamation after Nair accused him of responsibility for the massacre. The trial in London lasted five and a half weeks, becoming one of the longest civil cases of the time. The jury, biased towards O’Dwyer, ruled against Nair, who refused to apologise despite the financial penalty.

Impact on British India

The outcome of the trial had repercussions. It exposed the bias of the British legal system and brought into light the injustices faced by Indians. Nair’s defiance resonated with the growing nationalist sentiment. His actions inspired many to challenge colonial rule and fight for justice.

Legacy

Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair’s legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against British oppression. His contributions to legal reforms and the nationalist movement are celebrated in India. The upcoming film and renewed interest in his life reflect the ongoing relevance of his fight for justice and equality.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on the Indian independence movement.
2. Estimate the role of legal battles in shaping the nationalist movement in India during the early 20th century.
3. What were the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms? How did they influence Indian self-governance?
4. Point out the significance of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair’s defiance in the context of colonial India and its legal system.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on the Indian independence movement.

1. The massacre galvanized public outrage and brought into light British atrocities, uniting various factions in India against colonial rule.
2. It led to increased demands for self-governance and reforms, as seen in subsequent movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement.
3. Prominent leaders, including Gandhi, used the incident to mobilize mass protests and raise awareness about colonial oppression.
4. The massacre marked a turning point, transforming passive resistance into active demands for independence.
5. It solidified the role of the Indian National Congress as a leading force in the struggle for freedom.

2. Estimate the role of legal battles in shaping the nationalist movement in India during the early 20th century.

1. Legal battles served as platforms for nationalist leaders to challenge British authority and expose injustices.
2. High-profile cases, like Nair’s defamation trial, brought into light the biases in British legal systems and rallied public support for the independence movement.
3. These battles encourageed a sense of unity among Indians, as they collectively fought against colonial oppression.
4. Legal victories and defeats influenced public opinion and mobilized citizens towards political activism.
5. Lawyers and legal scholars emerged as key figures in the nationalist movement, advocating for rights and reforms.

3. What were the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms? How did they influence Indian self-governance?

1. The Montagu-Chelmsford reforms, introduced in 1919, aimed to increase Indian participation in governance through a system of dyarchy.
2. They allowed for limited self-governance in provinces, granting Indians control over certain areas while retaining British authority over others.
3. The reforms were a response to growing nationalist sentiments and demands for greater autonomy.
4. They set the stage for future constitutional developments, including the Government of India Act 1935.
5. Although limited, these reforms marked step towards self-governance and encouraged further political mobilization among Indians.

4. Point out the significance of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair’s defiance in the context of colonial India and its legal system.

1. Nair’s refusal to apologize in his defamation case symbolized resistance against colonial oppression and injustice.
2. His legal battle exposed the inherent biases of the British legal system, galvanizing nationalist sentiments among Indians.
3. Nair’s actions inspired other leaders to challenge British authority through legal means, emphasizing the importance of the judiciary in the struggle for rights.
4. His commitment to social reforms and justice reflected a broader movement towards equality and self-determination in India.
5. Nair’s legacy continues to resonate, denoting the role of individuals in challenging systemic injustices and advocating for national dignity.