Page:The Great Trial of Mahatma Gandhi.pdf/15



One of the most momentous trials the world ever witnessed took place in Ahmedabad on the 18th of March, 1922. Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest personality of the world to-day, was tried, convicted and sentenced to six years’ simple imprisonment for preaching disaffection towards the existing system of Government in India. No wonder the event excited the greatest interest all over the world and at tracted spectators from all parts of India to witness this great trial. The personality of the accused before the court, his international reputation as a saint and patriot, the offence with which he is charged, the political situation of the country at present and the probable results of his conviction on the political future of India—all made the occasion momentous and the trial historic.

Elaborate military arrangements were made to safeguard Ahmedabad in case of any disturbances. One could see the military