C. KESAVAN’S ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT

The situation now took a dramatic turn. The Joint Political Congress met at Kozhencherry on May 13, 1935 under the Presidentship of C.Kesavan, who was the General Secretary of S.N.D.P. Yogam at that time and passed a resolution requesting the Maharaja to dismiss Sir C P from the post of Legal and Constitutional Advisor. It was alleged that he was acting in a manner inimical to the interests of the State. C.Kesavan also made a highly emotional speech. He was arrested at Alappuzha on June 7, 1935 and prosecuted under Section 117 of the Travancore Penal Code on the charge of having excited contempt and feelings of disaffection towards the Government. In other words, Kesavan was charged with sedition. The Sessions Court, Kollam and the High Court rejected his application for bail. He was finally sentenced to two years simple imprisonment and payment of a fine of Rs 500. T.M. Verghese assisted by Barrister George Joseph and K.T. Thomas appeared for C.Kesavan in this famous case.

- A. Sreedhara Menon
Triumph & Tragedy in Travancore