Role of Conscience in dispensing justice as depicted in

Holy Panchayat (Panch Parmeshwar) by Munshi

Premchand

Subject: 2.5 English

Academic Year: 2021-2026
Semester: II

Submitted by
Kanade Janhvi Vikas
UG 2021-57

Submitted to
Dr. Shivender Rahul, Assistant Professor of Law

MAHARASHTRA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY,

Nagpur
Introduction:
Munshi Premchand, the master storyteller whose 'Panch Parmeshwar'
has captivated readers for years; the storey in English and French at a
glance.
Munshi Premchand's Panch Parmesh War is one of his finest
compositions that demonstrates the correct way to follow life's ideals,
a challenging route of honesty and principles. It takes a lot of bravery
to stick to a just and fair decision, putting relationships aside and
putting justice first. Algu Chaudhary and Jumman Sheikh, the two
major protagonists in this narrative, have been best friends since
infancy. They were there for each other when they were going
through difficult moments. When Algu was chosen to be the Surpanch
(judge) for the case of Jumman Sheikh and her khala, their friendship
was strained (aunt). Jumman Sheikh believed he would win the
verdict because Algu is his best friend, but Algu chooses justice over
friendship, and Algu renders a fair decision against Jumman. Jumman
was stunned by the verdict and has vowed to ruin Algu's life. That is
how best friends turned into foes in a single day, forgetting all of their
pleasant old memories and destroying their everlasting buddy
relationship. A few years later, the tale takes an unexpected turn when
Jumman Sheikh is given the opportunity to exact revenge on Algu
Chaudhary when Algu approaches the Panchayat to seek justice
against Samjhu Sahu.
Algu was a splendid pair of oxen that he had purchased from Batesar.
It was merely a coincidence that one of the oxen died just after the
start of the month of Jumman, rendering the ox useless. Because Algu
was in financial trouble, he decided to sell the ox. Samjhu Sahu buys
it, but he doesn't give Algu the full price and asks for some time to
pay. The ox dies as a result of the abuse of his capacity and
overloading by the time Algu receives his money. After the death of
the ox, Algu receives no compensation. The ball is then in Jumman
Sheikh's court when Samjhu chooses Jumman to be the case's
Surpanch. Whereas everyone, including Algu, believed Samjhu would
win the lawsuit because of Jumman's anger toward Algu, Jumman's
sense of responsibility for the high office of Surpanch became
conscious. He understood he was sitting on the highest throne of
justice and righteousness at the time. He also recognised that
whatever he says now will be regarded as God's words. Keeping all of
the ideals in mind, Jumman prioritises justice, and Algu and Jumman
rekindled their friendship.
Panch Parmeshwar is one of the excellent writings of Munshi
Premchand which shows us the right way to follow the principle of
life, but it is very difficult to follow the path of honesty and principle.
It takes a lot of courage to stick to a fair and unbiased decision to be
fair, leave relationships and uphold justice above all. There are two
main characters in this story named Algu Chaudhary and Jumman
Sheikh who were best friends from childhood. They were together in
each other’s difficult times. The friendship of two twist when Algu
was chosen to become the Surpanch (justice doe the case of Jumman
Sheikh and his khala (Aunt). Jumman Sheikh thought he would win
the verdict because Algu is his best friend but above all Algu chooses
the path of justice then friendship and Algu gives impartial vedict
against Jumman. Jumman was shocked by the verdict and determined
to ruin Algu’s life. This is how best friends becomes enemies in a
single day forgetting al the old sweet memories and that inseparable
relationship of friendship is destroyed. A few years later, the story
took a shocking turn when Jumman Sheikh had a great opportunity to
get revenge on Algu Chaudhary as Algu knocked on Panchayat door
to get Justice against Samjhu Sahu.
There had been

Conclusion:
Panch Parmeshwar is more than a story; it is a guide to human
behaviour in society. Different behavioural traits such as vengeance,
expectations, criticism, narrow-mindedness, and so on are
prominently mentioned in such a way that, while reflected in the
story, they do not appear to be human vices but rather normal human
psychology. Society must evolve to accommodate these human vices.
Above all, justice conquers these vices, which is very nicely presented
in Buddhism as 'Pratitya Samutpada,' which recommends a specific
'eightfold path' to achieve the same. Premchand has 100 Kum Kum
Ray & Srashti Srivastava very successfully attached divinity to the
post of Panch somewhere in the story. Our limited perspective is
frequently altered when we become aware of our responsibilities.
When we become disoriented, this awareness serves as our guide.
“Aaj mujhe gyat hua ki Panch k pad per beth kar na koi kisi ka
dost hota hai na dushman. Panch ki zuban se khuda bolta hai”.