The Ilbert Bill controversy of 1883 was related to which issue?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Rights of Indian judges
Explanation
The Ilbert Bill, introduced in 1883 during the Viceroyalty of Lord Ripon, sought to amend the existing criminal procedure code to allow Indian judges to preside over cases involving European offenders. Before this bill, Indian judges in the subordinate courts were not permitted to try Europeans in criminal cases, a practice that was seen as racially discriminatory. The bill sparked intense controversy among the British community in India, who fiercely opposed it, arguing that European citizens should only be tried by their own peers (i.e., European judges). The opposition was so severe that the government was forced to withdraw the original bill and introduce a compromise that significantly weakened the power of Indian judges, limiting their authority in cases involving Europeans.
Key Points
The Ilbert Bill controversy was a significant event that galvanized Indian public opinion and highlighted the racial prejudice embedded in the colonial legal system. It is often cited as a catalyst for the growth of organized nationalist sentiments, eventually contributing to the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885. The movement showcased the effectiveness of organized political agitation and served as a wake-up call for the emerging Indian educated elite regarding the necessity of a unified political voice.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which Viceroy was responsible for introducing the Ilbert Bill?
Answer: Lord Ripon.
Question: What was the primary motivation behind the introduction of the Ilbert Bill?
Answer: To remove racial discrimination in the judicial system and grant Indian judges equal powers as their European counterparts in criminal matters.