Between 5 and 6am on the 28th May 1954, the Fajar 8 were picked up by police. James was among the 7 that were arrested at the University Hostel in Dunearn Road. They were charged with sedition in the afternoon the same day. Bail of $1,000 each was provided by the Vice-Chancellor Sydney Caine, who felt is was his duty to bail out the students. The arrests were made because of an article that was published on xx in the 7th issue.
Lee Kuan Yew was the honorary advisor to the University Socialists Club and he represented the students in court. Trial dates were set 23 to 25 August 1954.