Question

Give two reasons why the British government set free the leaders of INA even though the Court Martial found them guilty.

Answer 1

The British government set free the leaders of the INA despite the court martial verdict due to the following reasons:

1. Widespread public sympathy and national unrest: The INA trials at the Red Fort sparked massive protests, strikes, and demonstrations across the country. People viewed the INA soldiers as patriots, not traitors. The intense public pressure made it difficult for the British to punish them.
2. Fear of rebellion within the armed forces: There were signs of discontent and sympathy for the INA among Indian soldiers serving in the British army, navy, and air force. The British feared a possible mutiny similar to that of 1857 if harsh sentences were carried out.