Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of justice and fair play
- Learn about resolving disputes peacefully through a village panchayat
- Identify themes of honesty, trust, and integrity
- Practise comprehension and vocabulary skills
Key Concepts
About the Story
This story is about fairness, justice, and doing the right thing. It involves a property dispute between two families that is resolved through a village panchayat (council of elders), highlighting the importance of honest and fair judgement.
Story Summary
Jumman Sheikh and Algu Chowdhry are the best of friends in a village. They trust each other completely. Jumman's old aunt has given her property to Jumman on the condition that he would take care of her. In the beginning, Jumman and his wife treat the aunt well. But gradually, they start neglecting her and mistreating her.
The unhappy aunt decides to take the matter to the village panchayat. She asks several people to be the head panch (judge), but everyone refuses, afraid of offending Jumman. Finally, Jumman himself suggests his best friend Algu Chowdhry as the panch, confident that his friend will side with him.
But when Algu sits as the panch, he understands the responsibility of the position. He must be fair and just. After hearing both sides, Algu rules in favour of the aunt — Jumman must either take proper care of his aunt or give her a monthly allowance. Jumman feels betrayed by his friend.
The Tables Turn
Later, Algu has his own dispute. He sold a good bullock to Samjhu Sahu, who worked the bullock so hard that it died. Sahu refuses to pay the remaining money. Algu takes the case to the panchayat. Ironically, Jumman is chosen as the panch this time.
Algu is afraid that Jumman will take revenge. But Jumman, sitting as the panch, also feels the weight of responsibility. He must deliver a fair judgement. He rules that Sahu must pay Algu the full price of the bullock. Justice is served again.
Moral of the Story
When given the responsibility of justice, a true person puts aside personal feelings and acts fairly. Both Algu and Jumman set aside their personal differences when they became panch and delivered honest verdicts. The story teaches that justice must be impartial and that true friendship is based on honesty, not bias.
Important Terms
- Panchayat: A village council that resolves disputes and makes decisions
- Panch: The head judge or chief of the panchayat
- Justice: Fairness in the treatment of people
- Fair Play: Honest and just behaviour, following the rules
- Verdict: The decision or judgement given by a judge or panch
- Dispute: A disagreement or argument between parties
- Impartial: Not favouring one side over another; fair and unbiased
Quick Revision
- Jumman Sheikh and Algu Chowdhry were best friends
- Jumman neglected his aunt after getting her property
- Algu, as panch, ruled fairly in favour of the aunt
- Later, Jumman became panch in Algu's dispute with Sahu
- Jumman also delivered a fair verdict in favour of Algu
- Both friends put justice above personal friendship when serving as panch
- Moral: Justice must be fair and impartial, regardless of personal relationships