Reprinted book on Mahatma's trial to be released on Aug 15

'Trial of Gandhiji', first published in 1965, is a recount of the case which was heard in a court in Ahmedabad, leading to the Mahatma's conviction and imprisonment to six years in 1922.

The book will be released by Navjivan Trust, founded by the Father of Nation in 1919, on August 15.

In an effort to be in sync with the pre-Independence period, the book will be released in the same committee room of the Old Circuit House in Shahibaugh area where the Mahatma's trial on charges of sedition was conducted.

"The 288-page book on the epic trial has been re-published with the consent of Gujarat High Court, which has the copyright for it," Managing Trustee of Navjivan Trust Vivek Desai said.

"The book contains three original articles as published in Young India. Gandhiji was tried for the three articles- two of 1921 and one of 1922- published in the journal," he said.

Young India was a weekly journal published in English by Mahatma Gandhi from 1919 to 1932.

The re-print includes complete account of the court proceedings besides Gandhi's original statements in his writing, Desai said.

In his statement during the trial, the pre-eminent leader of Indian nationalism, asked the then presiding judge Broomfield to award him the highest penalty.

The trial which had been held on March 18, 1922 lasted for less than two hours, a release from the Trust said.

The Trust has initially printed 1,000 copies of the book priced at Rs 750 with an offer on its booking.

"Those booking the copy before September can get it for Rs 500," Desai said.