Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The Ilbert Bill (1884) Controversy caused the greatest racial cleavage in India prior to establishment of the Indian National Congress
2. Viceroy Ripon actually desired to abolish the racial prejudice from the Indian Penal Code while introducing this bill

Which among the above statement is / are correct?
Answer: Both 1 & 2 are correct
Notes: Sir Coutney Pergine Ilbert, the law member of Viceroy's council prepared a bill in 1883 during the viceroy ship of Lord Ripon which is popularly known as Ilbert Bill. It suggested to allow the senior Indian magistrates to preside over cases involving British personnel in India. The British tea and indigo plantations owners in Bengal tremendously opposed the bill. The main intension of Lord Ripon was to abolish the racial prejudice from the Indian Penal Code.