How a Client was Saved - M.K. Gandhi

Parsi Rustomji - Gandhiji’s Client:

Parsi Rustomji was a client of Gandhiji. He was a large importer of goods from Bombay and Calcutta. He sought and followed Gandhiji’s advice in all his official and domestic matters. Even when he was ill, he did not hesitate to accept Gandhiji’s quack treatment. But he studiously kept back one thing from Gandhiji – that he sometimes resorted to smuggling. As he was on the best terms with the customs officials, no one was inclined to suspect him.

Rustomji’s Guilt Discovered:

But to use the telling phrase of the Gujarati poet Akho,
theft, like quick-silver won’t be suppressed
and Parsi Rustomji proved no exception.

One day, with tears rolling down his cheeks, he confessed that he had deceived Gandhiji, and that his guilt had been discovered. He pleaded to Gandhiji to save him from this predicament, as he alone could save him now. He also repented for his crime.

Gandhiji wanted to save Rustomji by means of confession. Parsi was mortified and asked if personal confession before him would suffice. But Gandhiji said that, since the government has been wronged, an official confession was necessary.

Gandhiji’s Words of Advice to Rustomji:

Gandhiji went to meet Rustomji’s counsel. The counsel perused the papers, and said that the Natal jury, which tries the case, will rarely acquit an Indian. But he promised to help him. Parsi Rustomji resolved to be guided by Gandhiji’s advice in the case. Gandhiji told Rustomji to accept his guilt and pay the penalty. However, if they do not accept it, then he must be prepared to go to jail. The shame lies more in committing the offence rather than going to jail. Imprisonment is just a penance, but the real penance lies in resolving never to smuggle again.

Rustomji’s Reaction to Gandhiji’s Words:

After listening to Gandhiji’s wise words, Rustomji’s courage failed him for a moment, because his name and fame were at stake. However, Rustomji finally resolved to go by Gandhiji’s words, and said, “I am entirely in your hands. You may do just as you like.”

Gandhiji Saves a Client:

Gandhiji approached the Customs Officer and pleaded with him not to take the matter to court. After getting his promise, he met the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General appreciated Gandhiji’s complete frankness and was deeply convinced. Hence the case against Parsi Rustomji was settled by a compromise. He was to pay a penalty equal to twice the amount he had smuggled.

Rustomji finally got the paper framed and hung it up in his office to serve as a perpetual reminder to his heirs and fellow merchants. Rustomji’s friends told Gandhiji not to be taken in by Rustomji’s transitory repentance. But Rustomji told Gandhiji with a strong conviction, “What would have been my fate if I had not told you the truth.” Gandhiji thus realized that Rustomji had repented for his guilt and a transformation had been effected in his client.

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