In which year was the Vernacular Press Act enacted in British India?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC CGL 2023 Tier-I Official Paper (Held On: 18 Jul 2023 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 1878.

Key Points

The Vernacular Press Act was enacted in British India in the year 1878.
This law was enforced by the British to curtail the freedom of the Indian-language press.
The Act was used to prevent the expression of criticism toward British policies, notably, the opposition that had grown with the outset of the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-80)
It was enacted when Lord Lytton was Viceroy of India; he was known for his controversial and suppressive policies during his tenure.
The act stated that any press printing in Vernacular language had to declare all its printing machinery and submit all material for scrutiny before publication. If the content was inflammable or criticised British authorities, it would result in the confiscation of the press.
It was the first legislation to curtail press freedom in India, and the press became a medium of both control and revolt during British rule.
The act provoked widespread criticism and protest by Indians. It eventually became one of the contributing factors to the nationalistic movements that emerged at the end of the 19th century.
The Act was, however, repealed in 1882 by Lytton's successor, Lord Ripon, in a move to foster press freedom in India.