Page:The Life of Lokamanya Tilak.djvu/151

 hands in his pockets, when in his Presidency such a shameful act takes place. . . . ."

Proceedings in the re visional appeal in the High Court commenced on February 24th, 1904. On the third of March, judgment was delivered. It was worthy of the judicial independence of that legal luminary, Sir Lawrence Jenkins. Mr. Tilak's conviction was quashed and the fine was ordered to be refunded. The Advocate-General wisely withdrew the remaining five charges.

After the criminal case was thus disposed of, the civil case for the declaration of adoption, filed on September 23rd 1901 and adjourned, pending the criminal trial, was again taken up by the 1st Class Subordinate Judge in June 1904. In this case, also, evidence had to be taken on commission at Aurangabad, Amraoti and Kolhapur. This work occupied several months. The First Class Subordinate Judge decided (July 31st 1906) the case in Mr. Tilak's favour. The opposite party (that of Bala Maharaj) appealed to the High Court (Octo. 3rd 1906). About two years were taken in translating the records. The Bombay High Court eventually decided (1910) against Mr. Tilak. Leave was obtained (1911) to appeal to the Privy Council and the translated exhibits were printed and sent to England in April 1914. On March 26, 1915, the Privy Council quashed the decree of the High Court and restored that of the Sub- Judge. In spite of this clear decision, the