Question map
Which one of the following statements about the Ilbert Bill is correct ?
Explanation
The Ilbert Bill, introduced in 1883 during Lord Ripon's viceroyalty, was a legislative proposal aimed at removing racial discrimination in the Indian judiciary [3]. Before this bill, Indian magistrates were legally barred from presiding over criminal cases involving European British subjects [4]. The bill, drafted by Law Member Courtenay Ilbert, proposed to empower senior Indian district magistrates and sessions judges to try Europeans in criminal courts [3]. This sought to grant Indian members of the Covenanted Civil Service the same judicial powers as their European colleagues [4]. The proposal triggered a massive backlash from the European community in India, who viewed the prospect of being tried by Indian judges as a threat to their racial superiority [2]. Ultimately, the bill was significantly weakened through a compromise in 1884, which allowed Europeans to demand a jury where at least half the members were European [4].
Sources
- [1] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 12: Growth of New India—The Nationalist Movement 1858—1905 > Immediate Factors > p. 203
- [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 10: Beginning of Modern Nationalism in India > Reactionary Policies and Racial Arrogance of Rulers > p. 243
- [2] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 12: Growth of New India—The Nationalist Movement 1858—1905 > Immediate Factors > p. 204
- [4] https://www.britannica.com/event/Ilbert-Bill