The Indian National Congress, 1917–1935

Abstract

I am fully conscious of the fact that a person, holding in the public life of India a position such as I do, has to be most careful in setting examples. It is my firm belief that in the complex constitution under which we are living, the only safe and honourable course for a self-respecting man is, in the circumstances such as face me, to do what I have decided to do, that is, to submit without protest to the penalty of disobedience. I have ventured to make this statement not in any way in extenuation of the penalty to be awarded against me, but to show that I have disregarded the order served upon me, not for want of respect for lawful authority, but in obedience of the higher law of our being — the voice of conscience.

CWMG, vol. XIII, p. 375. The Champaran Satyagraha (April–June 1917) was Gandhi’s first ‘experiment with truth’ in India. It was launched in support of the cultivators’ grievances against the indigo planters (mostly European) of the Champaran division of Bihar. Gandhi disobeyed the court order which asked him to leave the district, and appeared before the court to receive the due punishment which, however, was not awarded.