Page 34 - Demo

%u201cThe eldest boy is the legal heir to an impartible estate which is the biggest in this Presidency and situated as these boys and girls are, Lord Cottenham's observations would exactly fit in, if I were to substitute for English boys and children, Indian boys and children of a person of the position in life of the Rajah of Vizianagaram. No such 'irresistible necessity' as would entitle a Court to disregard these considerations has been made out by the Court of Wards. It is not pretended that the children cannot get the necessary training and education suitable to their position in life in this Presidency or in India. I am therefore clearly of the opinion that it is not in the interests of these minor children that they should be sent to England for their education.%u201d Ayyar, with his trademark searching questioning, attempted to go after the Maharaja's mental state but to no avail. As the Judge observed, Maharaja Alak Narayan's behaviour in Court did not display any signs of instability. %u201cOn the contrary, he behaved with great dignity, moderation and restraint and his bearing and address were marked by refinement and courtesy%u201d.Finally, with the tide turning against them, the Court of Wards played their last cards. %u201cThe Court of Wards challenges the Raja's right to file the petition, on the ground that under the Court of Wards Act, it has itself become the legal guardian of the minor children%u201d. In his judgement, Justice Subba Rao said %u201cputting aside the father's wishes, in the children's interests, which must be the paramount consideration, their removal from the country at the most impressionable period of their lives seems very undesirable%u201d. 24