Q. The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the
(a) imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the 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 Ilbert Bill controversy was related to (c) the removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans.
The Ilbert Bill was introduced in 1883 by Sir Courtenay Ilbert, who was the Law Member of the Indian Council under the Viceroy Lord Ripon. The bill aimed to empower Indian magistrates to preside over cases involving Europeans in British India. Prior to the bill, Indian magistrates were not allowed to exercise jurisdiction over Europeans, which led to a discriminatory legal system.
The proposed Ilbert Bill faced strong opposition from the European community in India, who feared that it would undermine their privileged position and social status. They argued that Indian magistrates were not qualified to try Europeans and should not have jurisdiction over them.
The controversy sparked widespread debate and protests, with both Indian and British voices weighing in on the issue. Eventually, under pressure from the European community, significant amendments were made to the bill, diluting its original intent. The final version of the Ilbert Bill allowed Indian magistrates to try Europeans in cases involving offenses committed by Europeans against Indians, but not in cases involving offenses committed by Europeans against Europeans.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans.
