Explanation:

The Ilbert Bill was a legislative initiative introduced in 1883 by a British Indian official, Sir Courtenay Ilbert, who was then the Law Member of the Viceroy's Council.

Background:

During the colonial era, the Indian Civil Service (ICS) was dominated by British officials, who held almost all senior positions in the administration. However, by the late 19th century, a small number of Indians had also started to enter the ICS, and some of them were even appointed as district magistrates or judges.

The Ilbert Bill:

The Ilbert Bill was intended to remove the legal disqualification of Indian judges and magistrates from trying European offenders. It proposed that Indian judges and magistrates would be allowed to try European offenders in criminal cases.

However, the bill faced strong opposition from the British community in India, who feared that it would undermine their social and political dominance. Many British officials also argued that Indian judges and magistrates were not sufficiently trained or experienced to handle cases involving Europeans.

Outcome:

The opposition to the bill was so strong that it was eventually watered down to allow Indian judges and magistrates to try only European offenders who were not of British descent. Even this limited version of the bill was fiercely debated, and it was eventually withdrawn.

In conclusion, the Ilbert Bill was a significant moment in the history of Indian nationalism and anti-colonialism, as it highlighted the discrimination faced by Indians in the colonial legal system.