During British colonial rule in India, several legal cases had a lasting impact on Indian jurisprudence, politics, and the independence movement. Here are 25 significant cases:
The first case of judicial murder in India, where Raja Nand Kumar was executed under Warren Hastings' regime.
A corruption case involving Elijah Impey and Warren Hastings.
A legal conflict between the Supreme Court of Calcutta and the East India Company.
A case involving censorship and religious freedom.
A case related to sedition.
Tilak was convicted under sedition laws for his nationalist writings.
Another sedition case against Tilak for his support of revolutionary movements.
A major case involving revolutionary activities against British rule.
Savarkar was sentenced to life imprisonment for anti-British activities.
A case challenging the internment of Annie Besant for Home Rule League activities.
Legal proceedings against General Dyer after the massacre.
Several cases of sedition and imprisonment under the draconian Rowlatt Act.
Gandhi was sentenced to six years for sedition.
A trial against trade unionists and communists.
The famous case that led to their execution.
A case against Surya Sen and revolutionaries.
Trials of Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army officers.
Legal action against naval officers who mutinied against British rule.
Disputes over British legal jurisdiction in India.
A legal case regarding the rights of Indian judges to try British subjects.
Early debates on Muslim personal law in British courts.
Mass arrests and trials for breaking salt laws.
Cases involving political prisoners under repressive laws.
Legal cases related to peasant struggles against zamindars.
Prosecution of top Congress leaders including Nehru and Patel.
These cases showcase British India's complex legal and political history, with colonial rulers using law both as a tool of control and as a platform where Indian leaders fought for justice.