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Vernacular Press Act: Background, Objectives, Provisions & More | UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Aug 12, 2024
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The Vernacular Press Act 1878 was one of the prominent acts in history that were specifically aimed at muzzling the freedom of the Indian language press. It was enacted during the time of Viceroy Lord Lytton and principally involved non-English newspapers in order to stifle the emerging voice of dissent against British rule. The act had been a strategic move toward controlling and censoring the vernacular press, which by then was growing as a medium to express nationalist and anti-colonial sentiments among the Indian masses.

This topic falls within the UPSC examination syllabus in the General Studies Paper II, which contains Polity, Governance, and the Indian Constitution. The Vernacular Press Act forms the background on which colonial policies are understood related to governance, freedom of expression, and the development of the press in India.

GS Paper

General Studies Paper II

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Lord Lytton, Suppression of Press Freedom, Confiscation of Printing Presses, Criticism by Nationalists, Repeal of the Act, Significance in Freedom Struggle

Topics for UPSC Mains

Historical Context, Objectives of the Act, Impact on Freedom of Press, Role in Fostering Nationalism, Criticism and Public Response, Comparison with Other Press Laws, Subsequent Legal Developments, Legacy and Significance

What was the Vernacular Press Act?

The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was legislation by the British colonial government with the intent to conduct surveillance over the Indian press, publishing in regional languages, for the purpose of checking an outburst of information against the British administration. It gave the power to the British government to confiscate printing presses and issues of newspapers if they were deemed seditious, and this act actually harnessed the vernacular press in India, controlling the flow of nationalist ideas.

Background of the Vernacular Press Act 1878

Before 1878, though some laws were in force to restrain the liberties of the press, the Indian press enjoyed comparative freedom. But with the growing tide of nationalism and anti-British sentiments amongst the intelligentsia as well as amongst the masses, vernacular newspapers began to echo such sentiments in increasing measure. Kesari, Hitechu, and Amrita Bazar Patrika boldly criticized British rule and set about rousing and mobilizing the masses against the injustices perpetrated by the alien administration.

Viceroy Lord Lytton was suspicious of the Indian-language press and believed that it was the vehicle for sedition and anti-British sentiments. Their increasing influence amongst the Indian readership was a dire threat to the colonial administration, for which the British Government had to take stringent measures to stifle them.

Read the article on the World Press Freedom Index!

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Objectives of the Vernacular Press Act

The major objectives of the Vernacular Press Act were:

  • To Suppress Vernacular Press: It was to curb the freedom of newspapers in Indian languages, which were fast becoming a medium for nationalist expression and movement.
  • Prevent Anti-British Sentiments: The act wanted to control any material likely to produce disaffection against the colonial government or develop an atmosphere of nationalism.
  • Maintain Colonial Control: By banning the press, the British wanted a better control over public opinion and to prevent dissent and rebellion against them from spreading through the media.

Read the article on the Press Council of India!

Provisions of the Vernacular Press Act 1878

The Vernacular Press Act had a few stringent provisions laid down that would control and monitor the vernacular press:

  • Confiscation without Notice: The Act authorized the government to confiscate any press publishing material deemed seditious, without prior intimation or right of appeal.
  • Security and Bond: The newspapers had to deposit a comprehensive bond and security which would be forfeited if any content was found objectionable by the British authorities.
  • Government Censor: The government could appoint a censor whose duty would be to examine all that was to be printed before circulation, thus having control over what could appear in the public domains.
  • Prohibition of Reproduction: Newspapers were not allowed to reproduce or quote from other publications without the consent of the government censor.
  • Legal Consequences: In case of the violation, not only that the press and printed material used to be confiscated but the publisher also faced the legal consequences for it and was fined or imprisoned.

Read the article on the Freedom of Speech and Expression!

Impact of the Vernacular Press Act

There were many significant impacts of the Vernacular Press Act on Indian society and the nationalist movement:

  • Stifled Freedom of Press: The Act resulted in the severe curtailment of the freedom of the Indian press, more so of newspapers publishing in regional languages.
  • Increased Clandestine Activism: While this regulation did succeed in subduing overtly nationalist writings for the moment, it drove many nationalist activities underground, giving rise to secret societies and other clandestine forms of resistance.
  • Rallying Point for Nationalists: Such a repressive act only helped unify the Indian nationalists against the Act as an infringement of basic liberties and as a tool for despotic control.
  • Growth of English Medium Press: In order to avoid such restrictions, many Indian publications turned to English-medium, as the same stringent measures did not apply to it, thus inadvertently strengthening the English-medium press in India.

Read the article on Hate Speech!

Criticism of the Vernacular Press Act

The Vernacular Press Act received criticism from all sectors of Indian society, including:

  • Press and Intellectuals: The Act was vigorously opposed by Indian journalists, editors, and the intelligentsia, who considered it an infringement on their right to free speech and a calculated attack upon the very fundamentals of democratic principles.
  • Public Outrage: The Act, construed to be discriminatory and very harsh on the Indian people, received much public outcry and protest.
  • Political Response: The Act offered leading men of the Indian National Congress and other political parties an example of British oppression, which they used to their advantage in order to gain greater sympathy for the independence movement.

Read the article on freedom of speech!

Conclusion

The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 acts as a grim reminder of the attempts of the colonial era in muzzling Indian voices and checking the new nationalist zeal. Though for a time it managed to rein in the vernacular press, it had side effects by making the resolve of Indian nationalists yet more firmly resolved, and added to the surging demands of freedom and self-government. That legacy from the Act reaffirmed the fact that for a democracy to function healthily, there had to be an independent press and proved effective in bringing social change or effecting political mobilization.

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Enactment Year: The Vernacular Press Act was introduced in 1878 by then Viceroy Lord Lytton, aimed at curbing the influence of the Indian-language press.
  • Objective: The primary objective was to suppress the freedom of the vernacular (Indian language) press which was critical of British policies and governance.
  • Provisions: The Act allowed the colonial government to confiscate printing presses and newspaper publications if they were found to incite feelings of disaffection against the government.
  • Criticism: It was widely viewed as a draconian measure undermining the freedom of speech and expression. The Indian intelligentsia, journalists, and political leaders vehemently opposed it.
  • Impact on Nationalism: The Act unintentionally galvanized Indian nationalists, who saw it as an attack on their rights and freedoms, thereby strengthening the anti-colonial sentiment and movement.
  • Operations of the Press: The newspapers continued their operations even more vigorously. One such notable example was Bal Gangadhar Tilak's "Kesari", continuing the fight against colonial rule.
  • Repeal: Due to consistent pressure and the growing unrest, the Act was eventually repealed in 1881 by Viceroy Lord Ripon, earning him the title of ‘Liberator of the Indian Press’.
  • Historical Significance: The Vernacular Press Act serves as an important reminder of the colonial attempts to control dissent and the spirit of resistance it sparked among Indians, emphasizing the role of the press in India’s struggle for freedom.

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More Articles for IAS Preparation

Vernacular Press ACT UPSC FAQs

The Vernacular Press Act was introduced by Lord Lytton, the Viceroy of India at that time.

The Vernacular Press Act was passed in the year 1878.

The Vernacular Press Act was repealed by Viceroy Lord Ripon in 1881, following widespread opposition and criticism.

The term "father of the Vernacular Press Act" can be attributed to Viceroy Lord Lytton, as he was instrumental in its introduction and implementation.
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