Fair Play

Introduction: This story by Premchand (Titled 'Panch Parmeshwar' in Hindi) illustrates that justice is above friendship. A judge (Panch) has no friend or enemy; he knows only justice.

Summary

Part 1: Jumman Sheikh and Algu Chowdhry were best friends. Jumman had an old aunt who transferred her property to him on the condition that he would look after her. But after a few years, Jumman and his wife became tired of her. They stopped giving her food and were rude to her.

Part 2: The aunt took the case to the village Panchayat. She nominated Algu as the Head Panch. Jumman was happy, thinking Algu would favor him. But Algu gave a verdict against Jumman, asking him to pay a monthly allowance to his aunt or return her property. This broke their friendship, and they became enemies.

Part 3: Later, Algu found himself in trouble. He had sold a bullock to Samjhu Sahu, who promised to pay in a month. But the bullock died within a month. Sahu refused to pay. Algu took the case to the Panchayat. Sahu nominated Jumman as the Head Panch. Algu was scared.

However, when Jumman sat on the seat of judgment, he realized the responsibility of a judge. He gave a fair verdict in favor of Algu. He said Sahu must pay the price of the bullock because it was healthy when sold. Algu was overwhelmed and shouted, "Victory to the Panchayat! This is justice! God lives in the voice of the Panch." The two friends embraced and reunited.

Character Sketch

Jumman Sheikh: Initially greedy and cruel to his aunt. Later, as a judge, he proved to be fair and just.
Algu Chowdhry: A man of principles. He valued justice above friendship.
Old Aunt: A helpless but determined woman who fought for her rights.

Word Meanings

Grudgingly: Unwillingly.
Swallowed: Tolerated (insults).
Allowance: A sum of money paid regularly.
Nominate: Propose or suggest a name.
Sympathised: Showed pity.
Verdict: Decision / Judgment.
Dignity: Respect.
Deviate: Move away from.

Question 1:

“Then the situation changed.” What is being referred to?

Ans: The situation refers to the treatment of the old aunt by Jumman and his family. After the property was transferred, they stopped caring for her. They became indifferent and rude.

Question 2:

Why did the aunt decide to appeal to the Panchayat?

Ans: She could no longer tolerate the insults and lack of food. Jumman refused to give her a monthly allowance. So, she decided to seek justice from the Panchayat.

Question 3:

What was Algu’s verdict as Head Panch? How did Jumman take it?

Ans: Algu ordered Jumman to pay a monthly allowance to his aunt or return her property. Jumman was furious. He took it as a betrayal and decided to take revenge on Algu.

Question 4:

Why was Algu upset over Jumman’s nomination as Head Panch?

Ans: Algu was upset because he knew Jumman was angry with him and wanted revenge. He feared Jumman would give a biased verdict against him.

Question 5:

What was Jumman’s verdict as Head Panch? How did Algu take it?

Ans: Jumman gave a fair verdict. He ordered Sahu to pay the price of the bullock to Algu because the animal was healthy when sold. Its death was an accident. Algu was overjoyed and praised the justice of the Panchayat.

Grammar Rules: Conjunctions

1. Conjunction

A word used to join words or sentences.

2. Types

- Coordinating: Join equal parts (and, but, or, so).
- Subordinating: Join dependent clause (because, if, when, although).

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