Which weakness of colonial justice was exposed by the Ilbert Bill controversy?

Correct answer: European resistance to accepting racial equality

The Ilbert Bill controversy exposed the racial inequality built into colonial justice. The proposed bill sought to allow qualified Indian judges to try European British subjects in certain criminal cases. Many Europeans in India strongly opposed this possibility, not because of a demonstrated lack of judicial ability, but because they believed Europeans should remain legally privileged over Indians. The controversy therefore revealed that the colonial system did not accept equal treatment across racial groups.

Option A identifies this weakness: European resistance to accepting racial equality. The opposition forced changes and helped show the political influence of racial prejudice in British India. The controversy was not about tax relief for peasants, a shortage in the British army, or railway construction. Those subjects do not explain why European residents protested against the proposed judicial authority of Indian judges.