Introduction
The Ilbert Bill was introduced during the time of Lord Ripon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884.

Explanation
The Ilbert Bill was a legislative proposal aimed at allowing Indian judges to preside over cases involving European British subjects in India. At that time, the prevailing law required that only British judges could preside over such cases, regardless of the nationality of the accused or the victim. This created a situation where Indian judges were not allowed to hear cases involving British subjects, even if the crime was committed in India.

Lord Ripon's Role
Lord Ripon, who was known for his liberal and progressive views, supported the Ilbert Bill as a way to promote equality and justice in the British Indian legal system. He believed that Indian judges should have the same rights and responsibilities as their British counterparts and that the law should be applied impartially to all individuals, regardless of their nationality.

Opposition and Controversy
However, the Ilbert Bill faced strong opposition from the British community in India, who feared that it would undermine their privileged status and lead to a loss of control over the legal system. The British press and public opinion were also critical of the bill, leading to widespread controversy and debate.

Outcome
Ultimately, the Ilbert Bill was heavily amended in response to the opposition from the British community. The final version of the bill allowed for a mixed tribunal system, where Indian judges could preside over cases involving British subjects only if they were accompanied by British judges. While the bill was a compromise from its original intent, it still marked an important step towards greater equality and representation in the British Indian legal system.