SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 22

Solution: The correct answer is (C) Lytton.
Explanation:
☛ The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was enacted during the tenure of Viceroy Lord Lytton (1876–1880).
☛ The Act was specifically aimed at suppressing Indian-language newspapers that criticized British administrative policies during the severe famine of 1876–77.
☛ It came to be infamously known as the "Gagging Act" because it imposed strict censorship and discrimination against vernacular publications while exempting English ones.
☛ Under this law, the government had the power to demand bonds, confiscate printing presses, and seize property without prior judicial trial.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Lord Ripon: Repealed the Vernacular Press Act in 1882, thereby restoring press freedom to vernacular newspapers.
☛ Amrita Bazar Patrika: Converted overnight from a bilingual weekly into a solely English-language newspaper to escape the restrictions of the Act.
☛ Lord Canning: Served as the first Viceroy of India (1858–1862) and introduced the Licensing Act of 1857 following the revolt.
☛ Lord Dufferin: Served as Viceroy (1884–1888) during the founding of the Indian National Congress in December 1885.
☛ Indian Arms Act of 1878: Also enacted under Lord Lytton, making it a criminal offense for Indians to carry weapons without a valid license.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who is popularly known as the 'Liberator of the Indian Press'? → Lord Charles Metcalfe
☛ Which newspaper was started by James Augustus Hicky in 1780? → Bengal Gazette
☛ Which British Viceroy repealed the Vernacular Press Act in 1882? → Lord Ripon
☛ Which newspaper switched overnight from Bengali to English to avoid the Gagging Act? → Amrita Bazar Patrika
☛ Under whose viceroyalty was the grand Delhi Durbar of 1877 organized during a famine? → Lord Lytton