Vernacular Press Act

The Vernacular Press Act, enacted by the British government in India in 1878, aimed to control Indian-language newspapers and limit freedom of the press. It required these publications to register and allowed the government to penalize or suppress any content deemed seditious or threatening to British authority. This act targeted the rising nationalism and criticism of colonial rule in Indian languages, reflecting the British desire to maintain control over the narrative in India. It faced significant opposition from Indian journalists and nationalists, ultimately contributing to the broader movement for freedom and press rights.