GS PrelimsHistory (Modern India)Police and Judicial System in British India2003

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

A

To bring Indians and Europeans on par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned

B

To impose severe restrictions on the freedom of the native press as it was perceived to be hostile to colonial rulers

C

To encourage the native Indians to appear for civil service examinations by conduction them in India

D

To allow native Indians to possess arms by amending the Arms Act

Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation

1. The question asks what was sought by the Ilbert Bill in 1883 during the colonial rule in India. 2. The Ilbert Bill was introduced by Courtenay Ilbert during the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon. 3. The main aim of the bill was to remove racial discrimination in the criminal jurisdiction of courts. 4. Specifically, it sought to allow senior Indian magistrates and judges to preside over cases involving Europeans in British India, a right previously reserved for European judges. 5. This aimed to bring Indians and Europeans on par regarding criminal jurisdiction. 6. Option (A) accurately describes this objective. 7. Option (B) relates to the Vernacular Press Act (1878). 8. Option (C) relates to demands for simultaneous civil service exams. 9. Option (D) relates to the Arms Act (1878). 10. Therefore, the correct answer is (A).

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