Integrity Score 405
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BIRTH-PANGS OF NEW INDIA continues...
So when the list was published, I found my expectations fulfilled and knew you had been persuaded to take up yet another important task in the public interest and if I may say so, the public will have great confidence in your selection. You know I have.”
The Boundary Commission sat in a room of the High Court at Lahore, in the month of July and continued its sittings till the close of the month. There was a tense feeling of excitement through-out the proceedings. The Muslim League’s case was ably presented by Sir Mohammad Zafarulla Khan. He was supported by a considerable body of Muslim lawyers who were firm believers in Muslim League policy. The Mirza of Qadian, head of the Ahmadiya Community, was always present. The case of the Hindus and Sikhs was argued by Mr. M. C. Setalvad, helped by Bakhshi Sir Tek Chand, Sardar Harnam Singh and other lawyers. Sardar Harnam Singh also argued the Sikh case. Mr. S. P. Singha represented a section of the Christian community who wanted to join Pakistan, while Mr. Bannerjee represented another section of the same community who wished to join India. A gentlemen’s agreement was leached between the members of the Boundary Commission that they would not put questions to the parties which might reflect the partisan interests of the members. We stuck to this agreement and carried on the proceedings in a very decorous and pleasant manner in spite of the tense atmosphere prevailing in the Court and outside. The courtroom was always overfull of people of both communities. Lord Radcliffe who was the chairman of the Boundary Commission presided over the first meeting of the Commission. He suggested that as he would be sitting on the Calcutta Commission, we should choose our own chairman. His proposal was that the chairman should be a Muslim and a Hindu on alternate days. I protested against this proposal and suggested that the seniormost Judge among us, Mr. Justice Din Mohammad, should preside in the absence of Lord Radcliffe.
to be continued...