The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the

The Ilbert Bill controversy of 1883, introduced during Lord Ripon's viceroyalty, was a significant event in British Indian history aimed at removing racial discrimination in the judiciary [1]. Before this bill, Indian magistrates were legally barred from presiding over criminal cases involving European British subjects [2]. The bill, drafted by Sir Courtenay Ilbert, sought to grant senior Indian magistrates the same judicial powers as their European counterparts, effectively removing disqualifications based on race [5]. This proposal triggered a massive backlash from the European community in India, who organized a vehement agitation against being tried by Indian judges [2]. The controversy highlighted deep-seated racial tensions and ultimately led to a compromised version of the bill in 1884 [2]. This event is considered a precursor to the formation of the Indian National Congress, as it unified Indian nationalists against colonial racial policies.

Sources

1. [1] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 12: Growth of New India—The Nationalist Movement 1858—1905 > Immediate Factors > p. 204
2. [2] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 12: Growth of New India—The Nationalist Movement 1858—1905 > Immediate Factors > p. 203
3. [5] https://www.britannica.com/event/Ilbert-Bill