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How the INA Trials of 1945–46 Became a Turning Point in India’s Freedom Struggle

As British rule in India neared its end, the Indian National Army (INA) Trials became a major event that stirred national emotions and united people from all walks of life. Held at the Red Fort in Delhi between 1945 and 1946, these military court cases were aimed at prosecuting INA officers who had joined Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in his mission to free India from British control.

Instead of weakening the freedom movement, the trials had the opposite effect—they sparked public anger, strengthened national unity, and even caused unrest in the British Indian military. This article explores the formation of the INA, details of the trials, and their long-lasting impact on India’s independence journey.

How the Indian National Army Was Formed

The INA was first created by Captain Mohan Singh during World War II, using Indian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese in Southeast Asia. Later, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose revived and led the INA in 1943, giving it a stronger identity and mission.

Bose, once a senior Congress leader, chose to work with Japan against British rule. Under the powerful slogan "Chalo Dilli" (March to Delhi), the INA fought alongside Japanese troops in Manipur and Nagaland. Although the military campaign failed, the INA deeply influenced Indian public opinion, awakening a new sense of nationalism.

The Red Fort Trials: A Nation Watches

In late 1945, the British decided to put three top INA officers on trial:

  • Shah Nawaz Khan (Muslim)

  • Prem Kumar Sahgal (Hindu)

  • Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (Sikh)

They were charged with “waging war against the King-Emperor,” murder, and abetment to murder. These trials were held at the Red Fort, turning the iconic monument into a courtroom symbolizing colonial rule.

Public Response and National Unity

The defendants represented India’s three major religious communities, which inspired rare unity among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. Massive protests, strikes, and student-led movements broke out in Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, and Lahore, demanding their release.

This national support showed how the trials had struck a chord across communities, pushing aside religious divisions and reviving the spirit of freedom.

Political and Media Backing

The trials received heavy media attention. Newspapers and radio broadcasts kept the public informed and emotionally engaged. Several top Indian leaders joined the defense team, including:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru, who wore his barrister's robes again after many years

  • Bhulabhai Desai

  • Asaf Ali

Support also came from leaders of the Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, and Communist Party, proving that the INA had united political forces that usually disagreed on other issues.

British Reaction and the Final Verdict

The British faced a difficult choice. While they wanted to show strength, the public reaction and growing unrest forced them to reconsider. Though the court found the officers guilty, they were not punished. Under pressure, Viceroy Lord Wavell reduced their sentences, and they were released in early 1946.

Rebellion Inside the Armed Forces

One of the most serious consequences of the trials was the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny in February 1946. Inspired by the INA and unhappy with poor working conditions, more than 20,000 sailors across 78 ships and 20 naval bases in Bombay and Karachi revolted.

This rebellion quickly spread to the Royal Indian Air Force and parts of the British Indian Army, alarming the British, who now feared losing control of their own forces.

Lasting Impact of the INA Trials

1. National Unity and Renewed Patriotism

The trials helped unite Indians across religious and regional boundaries, boosting national pride at a time when communal tensions were rising. They briefly paused the growing demand for Partition and reminded people of their shared identity as Indians.

2. Political Pressure on the British

Faced with public protests, military unrest, and political unity, the British realized that continuing to rule India was becoming impossible. The INA Trials directly influenced their decision to speed up negotiations for Indian independence.

3. Reviving Bose’s Vision

Even though Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was presumed dead in 1945, his ideas lived on. The trials reminded the nation of his dream of total independence and kept his legacy alive in post-independence India.

Conclusion

The Indian National Army Trials were more than just court cases—they were a turning point in India's fight for freedom. The Red Fort, once a symbol of Mughal royalty and British authority, became a place where Indians united to challenge colonial rule.

From sparking mass movements to inspiring military revolts, the trials showed that India’s struggle had reached a point of no return. The powerful response they received proved that Indians were ready to take back their nation—through courage, unity, and the power of collective resistance.

The Legacy of the INA Trials

The INA Trials continue to stand as a powerful symbol of:

  • Unity in diversity

  • Public power in resisting oppression

  • The lasting influence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

They remind us that freedom is not just won on battlefields, but also in courtrooms, streets, and the hearts of people willing to fight for justice.

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