Latest update:24 February 2026 at 13:18 IST

In 1917, Seth Jumma Lal lent the British Rs 35,000. Now, 109 years later, his grandson plans to file a legal notice to recover millions of dollars based on century-old documents

Seth Guma Lal was a successful businessman and was running a large cloth and grain business in the city. (News 18)

An unusual claim has emerged from Sehore in Madhya Pradesh, where a prominent family claims the British government owes them a 109-year-old debt that has never been repaid. According to the family, a loan of Rs 35,000 made during the British era in 1917, grew with interest to an amount worth Rs 1 crore today.

1917 loan during World War I

According to the information shared by the family, Seth Guma Lal Ruthia, a well-known businessman from Sihore, loaned Rs 35,000 to the British administration in 1917. At that time, during World War I, the British government was facing severe financial pressure and needed funds urgently.

The local administration has reportedly approached Seth Jumma Lal for financial assistance. He agreed to help and provided the money. In return, British officials allegedly issued written documents confirming repayment of the loan.

The forgotten religion after independence

According to the family, the matter faded from interest after India gained independence. No payment was ever made, and over time, the problem was forgotten.

Vivek Ruthia, grandson of Seth Jumma Lal, now claims that the British government never settled the debt. He says he is preparing to start a legal battle to recover what he described as a historic financial commitment.

Accounting for inflation only, Rs 35,000 from 1917 would be equivalent to about Rs 1.85 lakh crore in today’s currency.

How did the documents resurface?

Vivek Rothia states that the claim came to light after reviewing old family papers and wills that had been passed down through the generations. Seth Jumma Lal died in 1937, about 20 years after the loan was extended.

After his death, his son Seth Manak Chand Ruthia kept the documents. After Manak Chand’s death in 2013, the papers were handed over to Vivek Ruthia. He says the documents had been in the house for about 22 years, but the issue recently resurfaced during a family discussion.

British government legal notice

Vivek Ruthia has indicated that he plans to send a legal notice to the British government. Referring to international law, he believes that a sovereign state cannot ignore its historical financial obligations.

“It’s not just about money, it’s about justice and history. Rs 35 lakh from 1917 would be equivalent to Rs 1 lakh today with interest,” Vivek said.

Legal experts point out that if the matter is pursued, the matter will likely reach The Hague Court or another international judicial forum. However, they warn that proving the authenticity and legal validity of old documents can be difficult.

A prominent family in Sihor

Ruthia’s family is well known in Sihore for its charitable and social contributions. Seth Guma Lal was a successful businessman and was running a large cloth and grain business in the city. He also built several schools and hospitals, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy in the region.

Now, more than a century later, the family is seeking what they believe is long-awaited justice tied to a loan made during the colonial era.

Read more