Sehore Family Seeks Repayment of 1917 Loan Granted to British Government

Sehore, Madhya Pradesh: A prominent business family from Sehore has stepped forward with a historic claim, asserting that a substantial loan extended to the British administration during the First World War remains unpaid. The family maintains that the principal amount of ₹35,000, lent in 1917 by noted industrialist Seth Jumma Lal Ruthiya, now amounts to several crores when adjusted for interest and inflation.

Historical Context of the Loan

In 1917, at the height of World War I, the British colonial administration in India was grappling with severe financial strain. According to the family, local authorities approached Seth Jumma Lal for financial assistance. He reportedly provided ₹35,000—a considerable sum at the time—against documented assurances from British officials that the amount would be repaid.

The family claims that written acknowledgments and repayment assurances were formally issued by British authorities, forming the basis of their present claim.

Rediscovery of Archival Documents

Following Seth Jumma Lal’s death, the documents were preserved by his son, Seth Manak Chand. After Manak Chand’s passing in 2013, the papers came into the possession of his grandson, Vivek Ruthiya.

It was during recent family discussions that the original loan documentation reportedly resurfaced among ancestral records, prompting renewed interest in pursuing the matter.

“This is not merely a financial issue,” said Vivek Ruthiya. “It is a question of justice and historical accountability. A sovereign nation cannot simply absolve itself of its past financial obligations.”

Legal Action Under Consideration

The family is preparing to send a formal legal notice to the British government. They are also exploring the possibility of pursuing the claim under international law, including consideration of approaching the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Financial Implications

• Inflation-adjusted value: The original ₹35,000, when adjusted for inflation alone, is estimated to be equivalent to approximately ₹1.85 crore today.

• With interest: Legal experts suggest that if accrued interest is factored in, the amount could potentially exceed ₹100 crore.

Legal and Evidentiary Challenges

Legal specialists caution that establishing the authenticity and enforceability of documents that are more than a century old will present significant challenges. Questions of jurisdiction, sovereign succession, limitation periods, and documentary verification are likely to complicate proceedings.

However, if the claim is supported by verifiable archival evidence, it could raise important international legal and historical questions regarding colonial-era financial liabilities.

The Ruthiya family has emphasized that their objective extends beyond monetary recovery. They view the legal initiative as an effort to uphold the legacy of Seth Jumma Lal, who was not only a distinguished businessman in Sehore but also a respected philanthropist.

As the matter progresses, it may open broader debate on historical financial claims arising from the colonial period.