Understanding the Ilbert Bill and Viceroy Lord Ripon

The question asks about the Viceroy during whose time the Ilbert Bill was introduced in the Central Assembly. This requires knowledge of significant events during the British Raj in India and the Viceroys associated with them.

What was the Ilbert Bill?

The Ilbert Bill, formally known as the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, was a controversial measure proposed in 1883 during the tenure of a specific Viceroy. The main objective of the Ilbert Bill was to remove the distinction between Indian and European judges in the Mofussil (countryside) regarding their power to preside over criminal trials involving European British subjects.

Prior to the Ilbert Bill, Indian judges and magistrates were not allowed to try Europeans in criminal cases. This was seen as a form of racial discrimination and a major point of contention among educated Indians.

Introduction of the Ilbert Bill

The Ilbert Bill was introduced by Sir Courtenay Ilbert, the Law Member of the Viceroy's Council. The bill aimed to grant Indian sessions judges and district magistrates the authority to hear cases involving Europeans.

The introduction of the Ilbert Bill led to significant outrage and protest from the European community in India, who feared losing their legal privilege and argued that Indian judges might not be impartial. This opposition was so strong that it became known as the 'White Mutiny'.

The widespread protest eventually led to the modification of the bill. The amended Ilbert Bill allowed European accused persons to demand a trial by a jury of which at least half the members were Europeans.

Identifying the Viceroy

The Ilbert Bill controversy and its introduction in 1883 are strongly associated with the Viceroy who was in power during that period. Let's look at the tenures of the Viceroys listed in the options:

• Lord Northbrook: Viceroy from 1872 to 1876.
• Lord Lytton: Viceroy from 1876 to 1880.
• Lord Ripon: Viceroy from 1880 to 1884.
• Lord Dufferin: Viceroy from 1884 to 1888.

Since the Ilbert Bill was introduced in 1883, the Viceroy in office at that time was Lord Ripon.

Lord Ripon's Tenure and Reforms

Lord Ripon's period as Viceroy (1880-1884) is known for several liberal reforms. Apart from the Ilbert Bill, he is credited with:

• Repealing the Vernacular Press Act (1882).
• Introducing the Factory Act (1881).
• Establishing local self-government institutions (1882).
• Appointing the Hunter Commission on education (1882).

These reforms, including the controversial Ilbert Bill, marked a distinct phase during his Viceroyalty.

Therefore, the Ilbert Bill was introduced during the time of Lord Ripon.