Who among the following repealed the Vernacular Press Act?
Q. Who among the following repealed the Vernacular Press Act?
(a) Lord Dufferin
(b) Lord Ripon
(c) Lord Curzon
(d) Lord Hardinge
Ans: (b) Lord Ripon
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Lord Ripon.
Lord Ripon, also known as George Robinson, was the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884. He played a significant role in introducing several reforms during his tenure, including the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act.
The Vernacular Press Act was a law passed in 1878 under the Viceroyalty of Lord Lytton. It imposed restrictions on the freedom of the Indian vernacular press, allowing the government to confiscate printing presses and equipment if publications were deemed seditious or objectionable.
However, it was Lord Ripon who recognized the importance of a free press and believed in granting greater freedom of expression. In 1882, he repealed the Vernacular Press Act, thereby restoring the freedom of the vernacular press in India.
Lord Dufferin, Lord Curzon, and Lord Hardinge were also Viceroys of India, but they did not repeal the Vernacular Press Act.