Vernacular Press Act

The Vernacular Press Act(VPA) of 1878 was designed by Lord Lytton. This Act highlights the colonial attempts to suppress dissent and control public discourse. This Act was designed to tightly regulate the vernacular (local Indian) press and it sought to suppress seditious writing which questioned the British policies and promoted nationalist ideologies. The discriminatory VPA provisions were applicable only to vernacular newspapers and empowered the district magistrates to enforce bonds, seize equipment, and restrict appeals. The act faced opposition from the Indian press and nationalists, leading to public protests. Ultimately, Lord Ripon repealed it in 1882. Other such repressive measures also persisted in later Acts like the Indian Press Act of 1910 which was eventually repealed in 1921.

From 1876 to 1880, Lord Lytton held the position of Viceroy in India. He was deeply conservative and his administration faced severe criticism from Indian newspapers. This was primarily due to his organization of the imperial Delhi Durbar and, more significantly, the inhumane treatment of famine victims in 1876-77. Responding to this criticism, Lord Lytton took action by introducing the ernacular Press Act in 1878.

The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was made with the intention of exerting stringent control over the vernacular press and punishing and suppressing seditious writing. Due to the restrictive nature of its provisions, the act earned the nickname "The Gagging Act". Following the Revolt of 1857, there was a notable expansion in the Vernacular Press. Newspapers in various Indian languages played a pivotal role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion. The primary objective of the VPA was to curb the freedom of the press in India. It specifically targeted vernacular newspapers that criticized British policies, questioned colonial authority, and supported nationalist ideologies.

• Empowerment of District Magistrate: The Act conferred authority upon the district magistrate to request the printer and publisher of any vernacular newspaper to enter in a bond with the government and pledging to avoid causing disaffection against the government.
• Exclusion of English Newspapers: These provisions did not extend to English newspapers, creating a distinction in the application of the Act.
• Security Deposit Requirement: The printer and publisher were mandated to deposit security, which was subject to forfeiture if they failed to adhere to the specified regulations.
• Finality of Magistrate's Action: Decisions made by the magistrate held finality, with no provision for appeal in a court of law.
• Seizure of Press Equipment: In cases of repeated offenses, the Act allowed for the seizure of press equipment.
• Exemption through Government Censor: Vernacular newspapers could secure an exemption from the Act's operation by submitting proofs to a government censor.

• Legal Charges: Newspapers such as Som Prakash, Dacca Prakash and Samachar faced legal charges under the Vernacular Press Act (VPA).
• Discrimination in Application: The Act exhibited a discriminatory aspect between the English and vernacular press, with no provision for the right of appeal.
• Transformation: In an effort to circumvent the VPA, the Amrita Bazar Patrika underwent a rapid transformation, changing overnight into an English newspaper.
• Suppression of Dissent: The Act was widely seen as a move to stifle dissent and limit freedom of speech and it was criticized for curbing expression in India.
• Opposition: The Indian press and nationalist leaders vehemently opposed the Act, organizing public meetings and protests against this draconian legislation.
• Repeal: The Act was eventually repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882.

In 1910, Lord Minto II (Viceroy) enacted the Indian Press Act of 1910. This Act made a revival of the most objectionable aspects of the Vernacular Press Act.

• This legislation granted the local government the authority to demand security during registration from the printer or publisher, with the power to forfeit or deregister the newspaper if it was deemed offensive.
• Newspaper printers were mandated to provide two complimentary copies of each issue to the local government.

Eventually, in 1921, the Press Act of 1910 was repealed based on the recommendations of a Press Committee led by Tej Bahadur Sapru.

The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 stands as a proof of the colonial administration's efforts to stifle dissent and control public discourse in India. This act aimed to muzzle vernacular newspapers critical of British policies and nationalist aspirations. The subsequent Acts like the Indian Press Act of 1910 continued this repressive trend. However, the resilience of the Indian press and public protests eventually led to the repeal of such oppressive measures. This highlights the indomitable spirit of free expression and resistance against colonial suppression.