The Ilbert Bill controversy of 1883-84 was related to:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. The issue of allowing Indian judges to try European offenders in criminal cases.
The Ilbert Bill, introduced in 1883 during the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon, aimed to remove racial discrimination in the judiciary. It proposed allowing senior Indian magistrates and sessions judges to preside over criminal cases involving European subjects. This sparked a massive, racist outcry among the British community in India and England, who refused to be judged by Indians. Ultimately, the bill was amended, allowing Europeans to demand a jury where at least half the members were European, highlighting the deep-seated colonial prejudice.