Madhya Pradesh family seeks repayment of 1917 war loan from British government

Vinay and Vivek Ruthia, residents of Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, have formally requested the repayment of a 35,000 rupee loan made by their grandfather, Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia, to the British government in 1917. The brothers claim that their grandfather, a prominent businessman and landholder who died in 1937, provided the funds to support British expenses during World War I. In February, the family issued a legal notice to the UK Debt Management Office, submitting historical correspondence and certificates as evidence of the transaction.

The family is now awaiting a formal review by British authorities to determine if the loan was ever settled or remains outstanding. The claim relies on records maintained by the family for over a century. The UK Debt Management Office has reportedly acknowledged the request and agreed to examine the provided documentation to verify the status of the historical debt.