Sir Sankaran Nair’s Brave Legal Fight Against British

Why in News ?

Sir Sankaran Nair, a fearless nationalist and jurist, is back in focus as his historic defamation battle over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre inspires the film Kesari Chapter 2, highlighting his bold stand against British colonial injustice on its 106th anniversary.

Sir Sankaran Nair: The Fearless Reformer and Jurist :

  • Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair was a distinguished lawyer, nationalist, and social reformer from Kerala, born in 1857.
  • Known for his bold and uncompromising commitment to truth and justice, he became the youngest president of the Indian National Congress in 1897.
  • He played a key role in advocating for Indian participation under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and resigned from the Viceroy’s Council in protest after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
  • Nair’s legal journey was marked by landmark judgments promoting inter-caste and inter-religious equality.

Legacy and Cultural Tribute

  • Nair’s fearless stand against British atrocities inspired future generations.
  • His life and the famous defamation trial are now being adapted into a film titled Kesari Chapter 2, based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat.
  • PM Modi highlighted Nair’s contribution during the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, calling him a symbol of courage and integrity.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre & Legal Battle Against British Official

●Deeply disturbed by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Nair publicly criticized Punjab’s Lieutenant Governor Michael O’Dwyer.

● O’Dwyer sued Nair for defamation in a London court, expecting the British judiciary to side with him.

●The trial, held before Justice Henry McCardie, lasted five and a half months, making it the longest-running civil case of its time.

● The jury, mostly biased, ruled in O’Dwyer’s favor (11:1), yet Nair refused to apologize despite being fined £500.