Bhulabhai Desai was an Indian freedom activist, politician and Lawyer. He was one of the most great lawyers of British dominated India. He is remembered for his contribution in the field of law. He is remembered for his defence of the three Indian National Army soldiers who were accused of treason to India during World War II.
His entire life was dedicated to the freedom of India. In 1928, he played an important role in Bardoli Satyagraha representing the farmers of the region.
Bhulabhai Desai's Early Life and Background
On October 13th, 1877 Bhalubhai Desai was born in Valsad, Gujrat. He got his initially studies at home from his uncle. After that, he studied at the Avabai School in Valsad and in 1895 he marticulated from Bharda High School in Bombay.
When Bhulabhai Desai was in school, he married Ichchahaben. The couple had one son Dhirubhai. Their marriage did not last long as Ichchhaben died in 1923 due to cancer.
After school, Bhulabhai Desai went to Elphinstone College in Bombay and his major subjects were English Literature and History. He was very good at studies and won a scholarship and the Wordsworth prize for getting first position in History and Political Economy in Elphinstone College. Then, he went to University of Bombay where he completed his M.A in English.
In the Gujrat College, Ahmedabad, Bhulabhai Desai worked as a professor of English and History. He also studied law while teaching. He resigned from his post of Professor. In 1905, he joined as an advocate at the Bombay High Court and became one of the city's and later the nation's best lawyers.
Political Career
Bhulabhai Desai started his political career with Annie Besant's political organization the All India Home Rule League. He was also the part of the Indian Liberal Party, but left that party soon after he realized that the Simon Commission, formed in 1928, was in support of the the British.
In 1928, Bhulabhai Desai took part in Bardoli Satyagraha then he respresents the farmers of Gujarat in the inquiry by the British Government. After that movement his involvement with Indian National Congress started. After two years in 1930, he became a member of the Congress party.
He was very impressed with Boycott Foreign Goods and formed the Swadeshi Sabha persuaded 80 textile mills to join in, with the aim of building a boycott by Indian companies of foreign goods. In 1932, the Sabha declared illegal and Bhulabhai Desai was arrested for his activities. He started getting sick in jail, he was released from prison due to health issue and he went to Europe for his treatment.
Bhulabhai Desai was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly from Gujarat in November 1934. The provincial autonomy, raised the question whether the Congress should participate or not in the legislatures after the Government of India Act 1935. Bhulabhai Desai supported Congress participation, pointing out the political rights and greater autonomy to Indians. when Congress entered the Central Assembly, he was elected as the leader of Congressmen.
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| Bhulabhai Desai with Nehru Ji and Rajendra Prasad |
Congress opposed the inclusion of India and Indian soldiers in the war effort. On 19 Nov 1939, Bhulabhai Desai addressed the Assembly and said unless it is India's war, it is impossible that you will get India's support.
Bhulabhai Desai participated in the satyagraha initiated by Gandhi, and on 10 Dec,1940, he was arrested under the Defense of India Act and sent to Yeravada jail. But in September 1941, he was released from jail on grounds of poor health, because of which he did not participate in the Quit India Movement.
Desai-Liaquat pact
During the Quit India Movement of 1942 - 1945, Bhulabhai Desai was one of the few Congressmen who were not in the prison. While demanding for the immediate release of political prisoners, Bhulabhai Desai came in touch with Liaquat Ali Khan and started secretive talks with Liaquat Ali Khan, the second-most important leader of the Muslim League. They spoke about to negotiate an agreement for a future coalition government, which would enable a united choice for Hindus and Muslims for the independent Government of India.
Liaquat Ali Khan said to Bhulabhai Desai that the Muslim League would drop their demands of a separate state for Muslims, if they were given equal representation in the coalition Government. Bhulabhai Desai attempted to construct an ideal Indian alliance that would hasten India's path for freedom while ending the Quit India struggle. Both Desai and Liaquat Ali kept that pact secret from Congress leader like Gandhi ji and Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mohd Ali Zinnah of the Muslim league.
In 1945, the press leaked the secret pact of Bhulabhai Desai and Liaquat Ali Khan, alarming both the parties. Bhulabhai Desai agreed about the secret pact and presented full information to Gandhi Ji but Liaquat Ali Khan clearly denied any negotiation. Due to this, Congress leaders were angry at him and support of all Congress leaders and was not allowed to contest elections from the Constituent Assembly of India. People like Sir Chiman Lal Setalwad asserted that Gandhi had full knowledge of the Desai-Liaquat pact.
INA Soldiers Judgement
Three Indian National Army (INA) soldiers Shahnawaz Khan, Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon and Prem Kumar Sahgal were accused of treason against the country during the World War II. Bhulabhai Desai was part of the 17 members defence team of the three INA soldiers which was formed by Congress.
In November 1945, the trial began at the Red Fort. Despite being sick Bhulabhai Desai delivered passionate arguments in the defence for three months. He mentioned international law in his arguments, and said that the accused were entitled to take up arms to gain Independence for their country under the order of the Provisional Government. However, the three soldiers were found guilty after the hearing and were sentenced to transportation for life. This case was the most important in Bhulabhai Desai's legal career.
Death
On 6 May, 1946, Bhulabhai Desai died.
Legacy
- Bhulabai Desai road in Mumbai is named after him.
- M.C. Setalwad authored his biography, Bhulabhai Desai
