Consider the following statements about The Censorship Act, 1799.

1. Magistrate to enter a bond with the printer of the newspapers.

2. The newspapers should print the name of the printer, editor, proprietor on each issue.

3. Lord Hastings abolished this act.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?

Solution

· Statement 1 is incorrect: Magistrate to enter a bond with the printer of the newspapers was a provision from the Vernacular Press Act, passed by Lytton in 1878. The bond was to make sure that there is nothing published that might excite the public dissatisfaction. The magistrates were also empowered to ask the publisher for security deposits as an amount of surety of his assurance. On not adhering to the bond the magistrate was empowered to seize the security deposit and the possession of the press. · Statement 2 is correct: The enactment curtailed the liberty of the press and required the newspapers to print the name of the printer, editor and proprietor on each of the issues and before printing, any material would have to be submitted for scrutiny by the secretary to the government. · Statement 3 is correct: Lord Wellesly brought out this legislation in apprehension of French invasion in India. In 1807, this Act was extended to cover journals, pamphlets and books as well. Lord Hastings abolished this Censorship Act during his tenure (1813-1823).