British Rule in India: Press Laws & Resistance

Media Under British Rule in India: Acts, Censorship, and the Struggle for Expression

During the time when India was under British rule in India, the press played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, spreading information, and advocating for political and social change. However, the British authorities were worried that the press might encourage anti-colonial feelings and nationalist movements. So, they passed a series of laws and regulations (Acts Related to Press During British Rule) to control and suppress the Indian media. These acts were aimed at limiting the freedom of the press, imposing censorship, and preventing criticism of British policies. Understanding these acts and their impact on the press is essential to grasp India’s struggle for freedom of expression during the colonial era.

Press Control Under British Rule in India: Censorship Act of 1799 

It was passed by Richard Wellesley, who was the Governor-General of India at the time and aimed to control and restrict the freedom of the press. Here are the key provisions of this act:

• Licensing Requirement: Before printing and distributing newspapers or other printed materials, publishers were required to obtain government licenses.
• Pre-censorship: Before publication, manuscripts and printed materials had to be reviewed by government-appointed censors, who had the authority to suppress or modify objectionable content.
• Prohibition of Anti-Government Content: The act expressly prohibited the publication of any content deemed seditious or detrimental to the interests of the British East India Company.
• Seizure of Press Materials: The colonial government had the authority to seize printing presses, manuscripts, and other materials suspected of containing objectionable content.
• Punitive Measures: Violations of the act may result in fines, imprisonment, or both, thereby deterring journalists and publishers.

British Rule in India: Licensing Act of 1823 and Press Control

• Enacted by: Governor-General John Adams.
• According to this act, the printer or the publisher of the newspaper was required to take permission from the government before starting the publication.
• Initially, it was considered a criminal offense to establish or operate a printing press without obtaining a license. Over time, this law was expanded to include journals, pamphlets, and books.
• In case, if publication of material was started without a license, the government can impose a fine of rupees 400.  
• In case of repeated violations, the printed material and press machinery could be seized by the government.
• The Magistrate was authorized to seize the press and cancel its license.
• The Governor-General had the right to revoke any license at any time.
• These restrictions primarily targeted Indian-language newspapers or those edited by Indians. The publication of Rammohan Roy’s Mirat-ul-Akbar had to stop.
• The Calcutta Journal was forced to stop its publications and Buckingham (editor) was deported to London by John Adams.

British Rule in India: Press Act of 1835 & Metcalfe’s Reforms

• Enacted by: Governor-General Charles Metcalfe.
• Charles Metcalfe is known as the Liberator of Indian Press because he repealed the Licensing Act of 1823.
• He framed some guidelines for the printers and publishers.
• The New Press Act of 1835, required a printer and publisher to give a precise account of the premises of a publication. Also, the publisher needs to make a declaration to the Government about the nature of the material being published.
• The Publisher could stop publication at any time without the government’s approval.

British Rule in India: Licensing Act of 1857 and Press Control

• Enacted by: Governor-General  Lord Canning.
• This act was passed to counter an emergency situation caused by the 1857 revolt.  
• The government added more rules to the existing registration process of the Metcalfe Act, which required licenses. They also had the power to stop the publication and distribution of any book, newspaper, or printed material.
• It re-introduced the concept of licensing and is applicable for a limited period of time.

Conclusion

The acts related to the press during British rule in India were tools used by the colonial authorities to silence opposing voices and control the information that reached the Indian people. However, they unintentionally ignited a strong battle for press freedom and self-governance, with Indian journalists and publishers leading the charge for independence. These acts hold great importance in Indian history as they showcase the immense influence of the media in shaping public opinion and inspiring collective resistance against colonial oppression.

Acts Related To The Press During British Rule in India FAQs

Q1. What was the Press Act of 1818?

Ans. This act placed all newspapers in government review before publication. The act was later expanded in 1807 to include all types of press publications, including newspapers, magazines, books, and pamphlets. The rules were relaxed when Francis Hastings (1813-1823) came to office in 1818.

Q2. What exactly is the Indian Press Act of 1951?

Ans. The Press (Objectionable Matter) Act of 1951 was created to punish the misuse of press freedom by publishing material including the instigation of violence, sabotage, or incitement to certain other very serious offences.

Q3. Who proposed the Indian Press Act of 1910?

Ans. Lord Ridley, the Home Member, introduced a bill on February 4, 1910, to restrict the distribution of anti-government material. Lord Minto II, Viceroy of India, signed the Indian Press Act of 1910 on February 9, 1910.

Q4. Which act is referred to as the Gagging Act?

Ans. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was referred to as the Gagging Act. It was an act to improve control over the publication of Eastern languages. It was primarily targeted at Amrit Bazar Patrika.

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