🏛️ History & Art-CultureUPSC 2003British Policies in India

With reference to colonial rule in India, what was sought by the Ilbert Bill in 1883?

aTo bring Indians and Europeans at par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned.
bTo impose severe restrictions on the freedom of the native press as it was perceived to be hostile to colonial rulers.
cTo encourage the native Indians to appear for civil service examinations by conducting them in India.
dTo allow native Indians to possess arms by amending the Arms Act.
✓ Correct answer: a) To bring Indians and Europeans at par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned.
ExplanationThe Ilbert Bill was introduced in 1883 by Sir Courtenay Ilbert, the then Law Member of the Viceroy’s Council, to amend the criminal procedure code in British India.The bill sought to allow Indian judges, including the district magistrates, to try British offenders in criminal cases.At the time, only British judges had the authority to try European offenders.The proposal faced strong opposition from the European community in India, leading to protests.The British government eventually modified the bill, allowing Indian judges to try Europeans only if they consented.The controversy highlighted racial discrimination in colonial India.207

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