The period following World War II marked a significant turning point in India’s struggle for independence. The political landscape was charged with fervor as the Indian National Congress embarked on a historic election campaign, while the Indian National Army (INA) trials captured the imagination of the nation. The Congress, led by stalwarts like Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Azad, capitalized on the momentum generated by the war’s end to mobilize the masses towards a common goal – freedom from British rule. Their election campaign was not merely about securing votes; it was a rallying cry for unity and resistance against colonial oppression.
The Indian National Army trials, also called the INA trials or Red Fort trials, were held by the British Indian government between November 1945 and May 1946. These trials involved many officers of the Indian National Army (INA) who were accused of various crimes like treason, torture, murder, and helping murder during World War II. These officers had originally been part of the British Indian Army but had joined the INA, which fought alongside the Japanese in Burma under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose.
The INA trials took place in India and involved former British Indian Army soldiers who had been captured fighting for the INA or supporting its activities by 1943 and 1944. However, until much later, these trials didn’t receive much attention or support from politicians. Initially, the charges against the accused were for violating sections of the Indian Army Act and the Indian Penal Code related to waging war against the King.
- Public INA Trials: Red Fort’s Political Stage and Serious Charges
- Because many INA soldiers were captured by Commonwealth forces at the end of the Burma Campaign, only those accused of serious crimes were charged.
- The first trial involved Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon. Unlike previous trials, this one was held publicly, and because of its importance, it took place at the Red Fort.
- INA Defense Committee: Congress Advocacy and Legal Support
- During the independence struggle of 1945-46, the Indian National Congress made freeing these three defendants a big political issue.
- They set up the INA Defence Committee in 1945 to help defend INA officers in the trials. The committee also helped gather information about INA soldiers and arranged post-war aid for them.
- The Congress put together a team of famous lawyers like Bhulabhai Desai, Asaf Ali, Sharat Chandra Bose, Tej Bahadur Sapru, and Kailash Nath Katju to defend the INA officers.
- Red Fort Trials: INA’s Legal Battle, Public Sympathy, and Heroic Release
- The Red Fort trials introduced many Indians to the INA, which had fought for independence.
- This led to sympathy for the INA across the country, and there were demonstrations in support of the captured troops.
- The Congress noticed this support and thought it could help reignite the desire for independence.
- The INA Defense Committee argued that the actions of the INA soldiers were legal under the Indian National Army Act and didn’t break other laws.
- Even though the defense had good arguments, the three INA members were found guilty of waging war. They weren’t given the death penalty but were kicked out of the army and given life sentences, which were later reduced.
- These three INA members were released and celebrated as heroes, with full support from Congress.
Impact of INA Trials on Nationalist Sentiments
- The INA had a big impact on how Indians saw themselves and their fight for freedom. It showed that people from different religions and backgrounds could come together to fight for independence.
- The Red Fort trials made many Indians aware of the INA’s role in the independence struggle, which made them sympathetic towards the INA.
- People started protesting in support of the captured INA soldiers in different parts of India.
- The Congress saw this support for the INA as a chance to get people excited about independence again.
- The INA Defense Committee argued that the INA soldiers hadn’t broken the law because they were following the Indian National Army Act.
- In 1946, because of public pressure, the soldiers were released, which made people feel more nationalistic.
- The bravery and sacrifices of the INA soldiers also influenced the Royal Indian Navy mutiny in 1946, which made the British lose more control.
- Even though the three INA members were found guilty, they weren’t given the death penalty. Instead, they were kicked out of the army and given life sentences, which were later canceled.
- When they were released, they were celebrated as heroes, and Congress fully supported them.
- Because of the strong feelings stirred up by the INA trials and other nationalist activities, the British government started talking about giving India more power.
- To work out how this would happen, they sent the Cabinet Mission to India, which was an important step towards India’s independence.
- The INA showed that armed resistance against colonial rule was possible, which inspired anti-colonial struggles in other countries in Asia and Africa.
The INA trials were a very important part of India’s fight for independence from British rule. They showed how determined the Indian people were to be free. The emotional impact of these trials and the support they received from the public helped build momentum towards the end of British rule in India. The INA trials will be remembered as a sign of how much individuals were committed to independence and how strong the country was when people came together for this cause.
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