Objectives of the Vernacular Press Act of 1878
The following were the main objectives of the Vernacular Press Act:
Censorship and Control
The Act was created to place strict restrictions on India’s vernacular press, especially on newspapers that are published in Indian languages like Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, and so on. It gave the government the authority to restrict and censor publications that it considered to be seditious.
Suppression of Nationalism
The Indian vernacular press was considered by the British colonial rulers as a powerful medium for the expression of nationalism and anti-colonial activism. By restricting press freedom and silencing opposing voices, the Vernacular Press Act aimed to stop the spread of these ideas.
Protection of Colonial Authority
The British aimed to preserve their dominance and control over India by placing limitations on the vernacular press. Since a free and active press could influence public opinion against the British administration and policies, they viewed it as a danger to their colonial control.
Preventing Unrest and Rebellion
The British were concerned that uncontrolled press freedom might encourage public dissatisfaction and uprising against their colonial authority. They felt that they could keep law and order and stop the spread of anti-British propaganda by controlling and suppressing the vernacular press.
Vernacular Press Act 1878
The Vernacular Press Act was passed by Lord Lytton in 1878 to prevent newspapers from publishing seditious information. The Act authorized the government to seize any newspapers that published what it considered to be “seditious material.” The purpose of the Vernacular Press Act (1878) was to limit journalistic freedom and reduce opposition to British policy, particularly since the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80). The act did not apply to Englishmen; it was just for Indians.
In this article, we will look into the background, objectives, provisions, impact, criticism, and legacy of the Vernacular Press Act of 1878.
Let’s explore.
Table of Content
- Vernacular Press Act Background
- Who Passed the Vernacular Press Act in 1878?
- Objectives of the Vernacular Press Act of 1878
- Vernacular Press Act – Provisions
- Vernacular Press Act Impact
- Opposition and Criticism of The Vernacular Press Act of 1878
- Repeal and Legacy of Vernacular Press Act