Ilbert Bill was introduced in:

The Ilbert Bill was a pivotal piece of legislation introduced on 8th February 1883 during the tenure of Lord Ripon, the Viceroy of India. Drafted by Courtenay Ilbert, the law aimed to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1882. Its primary intent was to empower Indian judges and magistrates to exercise jurisdiction over European British subjects in criminal cases. This marked an attempt to ensure equality within the colonial judicial system.

However, the introduction of the Ilbert Bill sparked a significant controversy. Many Europeans, particularly the British in India, strongly opposed it. Their opposition stemmed from a fear that Indian judges would deliver biased or unfair verdicts against European defendants. The resistance was particularly pronounced among British women, who argued that they might be subjected to humiliation or injustice under the authority of Indian judges. They also cited the perceived mistreatment of Bengali women by their husbands as evidence of Indian men's inability to be impartial.

Due to the intense backlash, the Ilbert Bill underwent significant revisions. The most controversial clause—allowing Indian judges equal rights with European judges in trying cases involving Europeans—was removed. The diluted version of the Ilbert Bill was eventually enacted by the Indian Legislative Council on 25th January 1884.

The debates and unrest surrounding the Ilbert Bill not only highlighted the deep-seated racial prejudices of the colonial era but also intensified the animosity between Indians and the British. This episode is often considered a precursor to the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, as it underscored the need for Indians to have a platform to advocate for their rights.

The legacy of the Ilbert Bill remains a stark reminder of the struggles for equality and justice in colonial India and the growing demand for self-governance among Indians during the late 19th century.