The crowd at the Motihari courthouse compelled the proscution to postpone the trial. The magistrate did so but Gandhi protested against the delay. He read a statement pleading himself guilty and asked the penalty due. He was not willing to get a bad example of law breaker. He worked according to the voice of his conscience. He told that he had come to render the humanitarian and national service.

Gandhi's Statement Pledging Himself Guilty in the Indigo-Flamingo Case

In the Indigo-Flamingo case, Mahatma Gandhi read a statement in court on June 23, 1908, where he pleaded guilty to the charges against him. This case was a significant event in Gandhi's life and marked a turning point in his struggle against British oppression in India.

The Background of the Indigo-Flamingo Case

During the early 20th century, the British colonial rulers in India imposed heavy taxes on Indian farmers, particularly in the indigo industry. Indigo planters had the authority to force farmers to cultivate indigo crops on their land, leaving them with meager profits and facing immense hardships. The indigo farmers, known as ryots, were subjected to exploitative practices by the British indigo planters.

Gandhi's Role in the Indigo-Flamingo Case

Gandhi, who was practicing law in Champaran, Bihar at the time, became involved in the Indigo-Flamingo case when he was approached by the local indigo farmers for assistance. He decided to take up their cause and fight for their rights against the oppressive British indigo planters.

Gandhi's Pledge of Guilt

When the case reached the court, Gandhi, along with his fellow lawyers, made a strategic decision to plead guilty to the charges of sedition and unlawful assembly. By doing so, Gandhi aimed to draw attention to the unjust treatment of the indigo farmers and expose the exploitative practices of the British planters.

In his statement, Gandhi acknowledged his role in organizing protests and meetings against the indigo planters. He accepted responsibility for his actions, emphasizing that he had no intention of inciting violence or causing harm. Instead, his motives were solely driven by a desire for justice and the welfare of the indigo farmers.

The Impact of Gandhi's Statement

Gandhi's statement had a profound impact on the court and the public. It brought widespread attention to the plight of the indigo farmers and the oppressive practices of the British planters. Gandhi's commitment to non-violent resistance and his willingness to take personal responsibility for his actions inspired many and helped galvanize the Indian independence movement.

The Indigo-Flamingo case marked a significant milestone in Gandhi's journey as a leader and activist. It solidified his belief in the power of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance as effective tools against injustice and oppression. Gandhi's actions in this case paved the way for his future endeavors in leading the Indian independence movement and his philosophy of Satyagraha.