The Vernacular Press Act (1878) was enacted in British India to limit the freedom of the Indian press and prevent the expression of criticism toward British policies, particularly the opposition that had grown since the start of the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80). Lytton, then Viceroy of India, proposed the Act, which was unanimously approved by the Viceroy's Council on March 14, 1878. The Vernacular Press Act (VPA) was enacted in order to "better control" the vernacular press and effectively punish and repress "seditious writing" in "publications in oriental languages." As a result, the British treated the (non-English language) Indian press with complete hostility. In this article, we will discuss the Vernacular Press Act, 1878 which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Vernacular Press Act - Background

• The racial animosity between the ruler and the ruled was a bitter legacy of the 1857 revolt.
• Following 1858, the European press always supported the government in political controversies, whereas the vernacular press was critical of the government.
• There was a strong public backlash against Lytton's imperialistic policies, which were exacerbated by a terrible famine (1876–77), on the one hand, and lavish spending on the imperial Delhi Durbar, on the other.
• The country's vernacular press expanded dramatically in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and newspapers served as a catalyst for the new socio-political consciousness.
• Previously, newspapers were only published in Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, and Allahabad, but later, newspapers began to be published in smaller towns as well.
• Because most of the newspapers were published in small towns, they were all written in vernacular languages.
• When this act was passed in 1878, there were 20 English newspapers and 200 vernacular newspapers.
• People became more aware of political issues as a result of these vernacular newspapers, and they gradually began to ask questions about their rights.
• As a result, Lord Lytton enacted the Vernacular Press Act in 1878 in the best interests of the government.

Vernacular Press Act - Provisions

• The magistrates of the districts were empowered by this act to call upon a printer and publisher of any kind to enter into a bond, undertaking not to publish anything that might "rouse" feelings of dissatisfaction against the government without the prior permission of the government.
• The magistrate was also given the authority to deposit a security deposit, which could be confiscated if the printer violated the Bond. If a printer commits the same offense again, his press may be seized.
• The magistrate's decision was final, and there could be no appeal in a court of law.
• A vernacular newspaper could obtain an exemption from the Act's application by submitting proof to a government censor.

Vernacular Press Act - Impact

• The act became known as "the Gagging Act."
• The most heinous aspects of this act were:
  • discrimination between English and vernacular press, and
  • no right of appeal.
• Som Prakash, Bharat Mihir, Dacca Prakash, and Samachar were charged under the VPA.
• Incidentally, to avoid the VPA, the Amrita Bazar Patrika morphed overnight into an English newspaper.
• Later, the pre-censorship clause was repealed, and a press commissioner was appointed to provide the press with authentic and accurate news.
• The act was met with strong opposition, and Ripon eventually repealed it in 1882.

Conclusion

As a result of the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, the press was silenced, and some vernacular press people were prosecuted. There was now a widespread public outcry against this act. Lord Ripon, who succeeded Lord Lytton, later repealed the act. However, the resentment it engendered among Indians became one of the driving forces behind India's growing independence movement.

FAQs 

MCQs

1. Which Viceroy introduced the Vernacular Press Act of 1878?

A. Lord Curzon
B. Lord Ripon
C. Lord Lytton
D. Lord Canning

2. Which section of the press was targeted by the Vernacular Press Act?

A. English-language newspapers
B. Government publications
C. Vernacular-language newspapers
D. Foreign publications

3. What action could the government take under the Vernacular Press Act?

A. Impose fines
B. Seize printing presses
C. Arrest editors
D. Revoke citizenship

4. Which Viceroy repealed the Vernacular Press Act?

A. Lord Curzon
B. Lord Ripon
C. Lord Mayo
D. Lord Hardinge

5. Which of the following was a primary goal of the Vernacular Press Act?

A. To promote Indian vernacular languages
B. To curb the freedom of the Indian press
C. To encourage Indian journalism
D. To establish new vernacular newspapers

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the significance of the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 in the context of the Indian freedom struggle.

Answer: The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was a turning point in the colonial government's attempt to suppress dissent and control public opinion in India. The act specifically targeted vernacular newspapers, which were a powerful tool for spreading nationalist ideas and mobilizing public opinion against British policies. By curbing the freedom of the vernacular press, the act aimed to prevent the rise of nationalist sentiments. However, the act faced widespread opposition and contributed to the growth of nationalism. It was eventually repealed in 1881 by Lord Ripon, marking a victory for freedom of the press in India and highlighting the role of the press in the Indian freedom struggle.

Q2: Discuss the impact of the Vernacular Press Act on the growth of Indian journalism.

Answer: The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 had a profound impact on the growth of Indian journalism. By targeting vernacular newspapers, the British government sought to suppress the spread of nationalist ideas among the Indian populace. The act stifled the freedom of the press and limited the ability of journalists to criticize British policies. However, it also led to the mobilization of Indian journalists, who began advocating for press freedom and democratic rights. The repeal of the act in 1881 by Lord Ripon was a victory for the Indian press, and it paved the way for the growth of a more assertive and independent Indian journalism that played a crucial role in the freedom movement.

Q3: Examine the reasons behind the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act in 1881.

Answer: The Vernacular Press Act was repealed in 1881 due to widespread criticism and opposition from Indian intellectuals, journalists, and political leaders. The act was seen as a direct attack on the freedom of the press and was highly unpopular among the Indian population. Indian newspapers and public figures vehemently opposed the act, arguing that it was a discriminatory measure that only targeted vernacular publications while sparing English-language newspapers. The growing dissent forced Lord Ripon, the succeeding Viceroy, to repeal the act as part of his broader policy of liberal reforms, thus restoring press freedom in India.

Previous Year Questions on Vernacular Press Act

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Question: Which of the following Viceroys introduced the Vernacular Press Act?
A. Lord Curzon
B. Lord Ripon
C. Lord Lytton
D. Lord Canning

Answer: C

Explanation: The Vernacular Press Act was introduced by Lord Lytton in 1878 to suppress nationalist sentiment and control the vernacular press.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1)

Question: Analyze the role of the Vernacular Press Act in shaping the freedom of the press in colonial India.

Explanation: The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was a significant colonial law aimed at curbing the freedom of the vernacular press, which had become a voice for nationalist ideas. By censoring publications in Indian languages, the British sought to prevent the spread of anti-colonial sentiments. The act, however, led to a mobilization of Indian journalists and intellectuals who protested against the infringement on their freedom of expression. The act’s eventual repeal in 1881 marked a victory for the Indian press and underscored the importance of freedom of speech in the fight against colonial oppression.