In Re: K.R. Kalyanarama Ayyar

Burn, J.—The findings of fact are sufficient to sustain the conviction. It is not possible to accept the contention of learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner''s speech must be considered as a whole and that he could not be convicted unless the whole speech were found to be a "prejudicial act." I see no good reason for supposing that a particular portion of a speech cannot constitute a "prejudicial act." There is therefore no ground for interference with the conviction. Learned counsel for the petitioner has urged that the sentence of fine should be remitted or largely reduced since the petitioner is not a wealthy man. As the learned Sessions Judge has already reduced the sentence of imprisonment from eight months to three, maintaining the fine, I am not prepared to reduce the sentence further by reducing the fine. The petition is accordingly dismissed.