Begum Mahboob Fatima: The First Muslim Woman Jailed by the British in Delhi

A Muslim Lady, charged with the act of waging ‘the war against the Crown’, was brought into the court of Additional Magistrate in Delhi on 21st April 1932. As per the rule, she was asked to appoint a counsel or to argue her case in whatever manner she deemed fit.

The woman told it in the face of the court that she did not wish to argue her case in a court of which the foundation stands on tyranny and slavery of India. The court, in her opinion, did not represent justice as the government that constituted it was itself illegal and had no right to keep its occupation of India.

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It was not a routine affair for the magistrate to confront such a brave soul. The woman was sentenced for six months of imprisonment and a fine of fifty rupees. In case the fine could not be paid the imprisonment had to be extended by 45 days.   

The woman was Begum Mahboob Fatima. She was arrested along with Satyawati from Chandni Chowk, Delhi for commemorating the Jallianwala Bagh Day.

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According to historians, Begum Mahboob Fatima was the first Muslim woman in Delhi to have been sentenced to prison for waging ‘the war against the Crown’. In order to not be confused with other famous women of the same name I would mention that her husband was Tahir Mohammad.