Pre-trial events:
Two allegations were made against Warren Hastings , one by the Rani of Burdwan and another by Raja Nand Kumar claiming of corruption and bribery before the council. Raja Nand Kumar submitted a complaint against Warren Hastings on March 1775 to a member of the council as francis.
Facts of the cases:
A few days later Nand Kumar was arrested with Fawkes, an Englishman and Radha Charan for conspiracy, frame up Warren Hastings felt that it would be difficult to involve Nand Kumar directly in the conspiracy case and therefore, they pooled their resources to prove another charge namely of forgery against Nand Kumar.
Judgement of the case:
The judges gave the agreed verdict of guilty, sentence of death was passed by the chief justice Elijah Impey under the act which was passed in 1729. Raja Nand Kumar was hanged on 7th August 1775.
Some peculiar features of the trial:
1. Raja Nanda Kumar was charged soon after Warren Hastings was charged.
2. Chief Justice Impey was a close friend of Hastings.
3. Nand Kumar applied for mercy to his Majesty but his case was not forwarded by the Supreme court.
4. Forgery was not considered a capital offence under Muslim law or under Hindu law.
Criticism of Raja Nand Kumar Case 1775:
There were a lot of criticism of Raja Nand Kumar case. Some are mentioned below.
1. Nand Kumar was not a citizens of calcutta.
2. Principles of Naturel Justice violated.
3. Application for leave to appeal was rejected.
4. The judges treated Raja Nanda Kumar inhumanly.
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