Judicial Developments By British Administrators

- The Ilbert Bill (1883) of Lord Ripon sought to empower the Indian district Magistrates and sessions judges to try Europeans in criminal cases. - Under the existing laws, the Indian members of ICS were not authorized to try Europeans in their courts. - This move was aimed at eliminating the racial discrimination prevalent in the judiciary system, marking a significant step towards equality in colonial India.

In 1885, Bhikaji filed a petition for "restitution of conjugal rights" after 12 years of marriage. Rukhmabai, who was married as a child, refused to live with her husband. Justice Pinhey ruled that Rukhmabai could not be forced into marriage against her will. In 1887, Rukhmabai chose to go to jail instead of living with her husband. Queen Victoria dissolved the marriage in 1888 after Rukhmabai wrote a letter to her. Dadaji accepted monetary compensation to dissolve the marriage. This case influenced the Age of Consent Act of 1891.