The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the:

Answer: (c) Removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates

The Ilbert Bill (1883), introduced under Lord Ripon, proposed that Indian judges and magistrates be allowed to try British or European persons. This sought to remove a disqualification on Indian magistrates and to bring equality between British and Indian judges. Fierce European opposition forced the government to dilute the measure before it passed.

• ✗ (a) Restrictions on Indians carrying arms came from the Arms Act of 1878. The Ilbert Bill had nothing to do with arms.
• ✗ (b) Restrictions on Indian-language newspapers came from the Vernacular Press Act of 1878. The Ilbert Bill concerned the trial of Europeans, not the press.
• ✓ (c) The bill provided for the trial of British or European persons by Indians and sought equality between British and Indian judges. It aimed to remove the disqualification that barred Indian magistrates from trying Europeans.
• ✗ (d) Duties on imported cotton cloth were a tariff and trade issue. They had no connection with this bill.

Remember · Ilbert Bill (1883): Indian judges were to try Europeans. European protest forced a diluted compromise, which exposed the racial attitudes of British rule.

Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2013, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). · Report an error