Cases Flashcards
Who was Raja Nand Kumar?
A prominent Zamindar in Bengal, loyal to the English company, known as “Black Colonel.”
What were the accusations against Warren Hastings by Raja Nand Kumar?
Hastings was accused of accepting bribes for appointing his son as Diwan and Munni Begum as the guardian of a minor Nawab.
Who were the council members opposed to Hastings?
Francis, Clavering, and Monson.
What was the council’s reaction to Nand Kumar’s allegations?
The council found Nand Kumar’s claims credible and demanded Hastings return the bribe money.
On what charges was Raja Nand Kumar arrested?
Conspiracy and forgery.
What was the nature of the forgery charge against Nand Kumar?
Forgery of a bond allegedly in 1770.
Who tried Raja Nand Kumar?
A jury of Englishmen under the British Forgery Act of 1728.
What role did Chief Justice Impey play in the trial?
Impey, a friend of Hastings, rejected Nand Kumar’s appeals for clemency and did not forward his petition for mercy.
What was the outcome of Raja Nand Kumar’s trial?
Nand Kumar was sentenced to death and hanged on August 5, 1775.
How was the trial of Raja Nand Kumar viewed by the public?
It was widely condemned as a “judicial murder.”
What were the main criticisms of Nand Kumar’s trial?
The timing of charges, bias of judges, improper cross-examination, and the use of an inapplicable English law.
What was the aftermath of the Nand Kumar case for Hastings and Impey?
Both were impeached in the House of Commons, with the execution being a significant charge against them.
Who was Radha Charan Mittre?
A native of Calcutta accused of forgery in 1765 and sentenced to death.
How did Governor Spencer respond to the petition for clemency in Radha Charan’s case?
He suspended the death sentence and forwarded the case to British authorities, resulting in a full pardon.
How does Radha Charan’s case compare to Nand Kumar’s case?
Radha Charan received clemency, while Nand Kumar was executed, highlighting perceived injustices in Nand Kumar’s trial.
