The printing and communication system has been in the talk since ancient times. At that time, modern printing was not a thing. For a brief period, handwriting newspapers were circulated after collecting information from across the country.
The newspaper writers had all the freedom, and often they were given wrong information in the paper; the Vernacular Press Act then came into the picture.
It was to limit the freedom of the Indian-language press. The one who proposed the act was Lord Lytton, then viceroy of India (reigned 1876–80). He was the one initiating the vernacular press from criticizing British policies.
This Vernacular press Act 1878 got sparked strongly and sustained by protestors, a large segment of Indians. Therefore, the show was termed the Gagging Act and only intended to limit vernacular/native language newspapers.
THE STORY BEHIND VERNACULAR PRESS ACT
During the time of Lytton’s reign, India was fighting badly. India was struck under the grip of a widespread famine due to crop failure in 1876. Meanwhile, Lord Lytton wasn't given enough attention, with the focus being distracted on the Delhi Darbar.
Lord Lytton later decided to hold an Imperial Assemblage for the “Queen of Great Britain and Ireland”. For him, Queen Victoria was the “Empress of India.” With millions of people dying in India due to the famine, Lord Lytton’s showed no sign of relief.
And the number of dead rose from 6.1 million to 10.3 million people. The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80) was one of the reasons that put a substantial impact on the Indian economy. And, for that, the government got a lot of hatred and negative criticism in multiple publications across India.
Despite this, Europeans took sides against the Indian press and backed the government in political controversies. For controlling the vital publication, and opinion of the writers, the government enacted the Vernacular Press Act 1878.
Although, the law against hateful speech in the press was already in the picture in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code. The introduction of VPS led to the further restriction of freedom of speech in the press.
PROVISIONS
Are you wondering what is vernacular press act is and its provision?
The District Magistrate was in charge of looking through the vernacular newspaper. And, the government's help should ensure that the press does not publish anything speaking of British policies. The press shouldn't discuss anything that badmouths the British Indians, criticizes the government’s policy, and instigate people to feel disaffectionate by the government.
The publishers were requested to make an obligatory deposit as a security amount for protection and security. This amount was a form of permission; if they infringe any rights and violate the act, the security amount will get forfeited.
In case, even after repeated instructions and warnings to the publisher. The publisher failed to maintain the standards and infringed the rights; their printing machines and the offices were seized.
The proof sheets, newspaper, or anything related to the vernacular press were first submitted to the government. The government acts as a sensor, and then after the final censor, they would request publishing.
The decision of the District Magistrate was declared as an outcome, and there was such freedom or possibilities of appealing to the court to be against the magistrate.
Conclusion
Now that you know almost everything about the Vernacular press act and the story behind it. It is clear for you to understand the history behind its existence and how it further made publication look.
