Which viceroyal administration was responsible for passing the controversial Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which sought to curtail the freedom of Indian-language newspapers?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Lord Lytton enforced the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 to suppress sharp criticism of British imperial policies in native-language newspapers, empowering district magistrates to demand security bonds and confiscate printing presses. Lord Ripon later repealed this unpopular act in 1882, earning immense popularity among Indians for restoring press freedom and advancing local self-government. Lord Dufferin was Viceroy when the Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. Lord Lansdowne passed the Age of Consent Act in 1891 to raise the marriageable age of girls.