Q. The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the
(a) imposition restrictions the Indians of certain to carry arms by Indians
(b) imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
(c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
(d) removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth
Ans: (c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans.
The Ilbert Bill controversy, which emerged in the late 19th century during British colonial rule in India, was related to the removal of disqualifications imposed on Indian magistrates regarding the trial of Europeans.
At that time, Indian magistrates were barred from presiding over cases involving Europeans. This discriminatory practice was seen as a reflection of racial bias and inequality within the legal system.
The Ilbert Bill, introduced by Sir Courtenay Peregrine Ilbert in 1883, aimed to remove this disqualification and allow Indian magistrates to preside over cases involving Europeans. The bill sparked widespread controversy and resistance from the European community in India, who strongly opposed the idea of being tried by Indian magistrates.
The controversy surrounding the Ilbert Bill highlighted the racial tensions and discriminatory policies prevalent during the colonial era. Eventually, compromises were made to the bill, resulting in its diluted form being passed, which limited the jurisdiction of Indian magistrates in cases involving Europeans. Therefore, option (c) accurately describes the focus of the Ilbert Bill controversy.
