. The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the -

  1. Imposition of restrictions on Indians to carry arms.
  2. Imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages.
  3. Removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans.
  4. Removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans.
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Ilbert Bill Controversy(1883-84)

  • It was initiated during Lord Lytton’s (1876-1880) period.
  • The Bill removed discrimination amongst the Indian and European judges.
  • The Bill removed discrimination amongst the Indian and European judges.
  • It was a progressive law.

○ Eg. It qualified the Indian judges for trial of cases on Europeans(Earlier Indian Judges could not take cases on Europeans).

  • The Bill was adhering to the Rule of Law but opposed by some sections of Europeans.
  • Later the bill did not come into practise which caused resentment among Early National Leaders and educated people of India.
  • The ultimate repealing of the bill was criticised as racial discrimination as it differentiated Indian and European people and judges.
  • Hence, option C is correct.
  • Imposition of restrictions on the Indians to carry arms was done by the Arms Act,1878. Hence, option A is not correct.
  • Imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages was done by the Vernacular Press Act,1878. Hence, option B is not correct.
  • Removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth was an agenda of the British to have one-way free trade. But, it was not Ilbert’s Bill. Hence, option D is not correct.
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