Who was the Judge who presided over Gandhiji’s trial after the withdrawal of the NonCooperation Movement?

The correct option is Justice C.N. Broomfield.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Historical Context: Following the Chauri Chaura incident in February 1922, Mahatma Gandhi decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement to prevent further violence. Shortly after the suspension of the movement, the British colonial government arrested Gandhiji on March 10, 1922, in Ahmedabad on charges of sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, for writing three politically sensitive articles in his weekly journal, Young India.

2. The Trial: The historic trial commenced on March 18, 1922, at the District Court in Ahmedabad. Mahatma Gandhi pleaded guilty to the charges, stating that preaching disaffection towards the British Government had become a passion for him, and he invited the highest penalty that could be legally inflicted.

3. The Presiding Judge: The judicial officer who presided over this landmark trial was Justice C.N. Broomfield (Charles Porten Broomfield), who was then serving as the District and Sessions Judge of Ahmedabad. In his judgment, Justice Broomfield famously remarked on Gandhi's unique status, noting that it would be impossible to ignore the fact that Gandhi was in a different category from any person he had ever tried or was likely to try. He sentenced Gandhi to six years of simple imprisonment.