For the judges, the objection will be raised that they are above politics, and so they are and should be.  But the doctrine is true only in so far us the government is on the whole for the benefit of the people and at least represents the will of the majority.  Not to take part in politics means not to take sides.  But when a whole country has one mind, one will, when a whole country has been denied justice, it is no longer a question of party politics, it is a matter of life and death.  It then becomes the duty of every citizen to refuse to serve a government which misbehaves and flouts national wish.  The judges are at that moment bound to follow the nation if they are ultimately its servants.

There remains another argument to be examined.  It applies to both the judges and the members of the executive.  It will be urged that my appeal could only be meant for the Indians and what good can it do by Indians renouncing offices which have been won for the nation by hard struggle.  I wish that I could make an effective appeal to the English as well as the Indians.  But I confess that I have written with the mental reservation that the appeal is addressed only to the Indians.  I must therefore examine the argument just stated.  Whilst it is true that these offices have been secured after a prolonged struggle, they are of use not because of the struggle, but because they are intended to serve the nation.  The moment they cease to possess that quality, they become useless and as in the present case harmful, no matter how hard-earned and therefore valuable they may have been at the outset.

I would submit too to our distinguished countrymen who occupy high offices that their giving up will bring the struggle to a speedy end and would probably obviate the danger attendant upon the masses being called upon to signify their disapproval by withdrawing co-operation.  If the titleholders gave up their titles, if the holders of honorary offices gave up their appointment and if the high officials gave up their posts, and the would-be councillors boycotted the councils, the Government would quickly come to its senses and give effect to the people’s will.  For the alternative before the Government then would be nothing but despotic rule pure and simple.  That would probably mean military dictatorship.  The world’s opinion has advanced so far that Britain dare not contemplate such dictatorship with equanimity.  The taking of the steps suggested by me will constitute the peacefullest revolution the world has ever seen.  Once the infallibility of non-co-operation is realised, there is an end to all bloodshed and violence in any shape or form.