Question

The objective of bringing "Lord Ripon IIbert Bill" was ___________.
A. Uniformity in the judicial system
B. Economic reforms
C. Religious reforms
D. Transport improvements

Answer 1

Hint: The Ilbert Bill was a bill which was introduced on 9 February 1883. It was during the Viceroyship of the Marquess of Ripon, that it was drafted by Sir Courtenay Peregrine Ilbert who was the legal member of the Council of the Governor-General of India. It gave power to the jurisdiction of Magistrates or Sessions Judges to try charges against European or British subjects even if they were themselves not European or British.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss each option individually in detail to figure out the correct answer.
Uniformity in the judicial system: Since the Indian magistrates were not authorised to try British or European people, to eradicate this non uniformity, this bill was passed. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Economic reforms: There is no mention of any economic reform under this bill, therefore, this is not the correct option.
Religious reforms: There is no mention of any religious reform under this bill, therefore, this is not the correct option.
Transport improvements: There is no mention of any transport improvement under this bill, therefore, this is not the correct option.

Hence the correct answer is option A.

Note: Courtenay Ilbert had proposed this bill as a compromise between two previously suggested bills. This bill is named after him. However, the introduction of the bill attracted intense opposition in Britain and from British settlers in India and ultimately led to racial tension before it was enacted in 1884 in a severely compromised state. This bitter controversy deepened antagonism between the British and Indians giving rise to the formation of the Indian National Congress in the next two years.