CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF INDIA
Total Questions: 12
The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first step in bringing the East India Company under British government control. Key features include:
Governor-General: Creation of the position of Governor-General of Bengal (Warren Hastings was the first) to oversee British territories in India.
Council of Four: The Governor-General was assisted by a council of four members for decision-making.
Supreme Court: Establishment of a Supreme Court in Calcutta to handle legal matters for British subjects.
Trade Regulation: Continued East India Company monopoly, but aimed to address corruption and mismanagement.
No Direct Governance of Indian States: The Act did not give the British government direct control over Indian rulers.
Administrative Reforms: Reforms in taxation, administration, and legal systems.
Sir Elijah Impey was its first Chief Justice.
By this act, the rule of the East India Company in India was put to an end and the British government directly took over the management of the Indian territories.
Under this act, in 1858, Queen Victoria declared that India would be governed by the British ruler and for them by the 'Secretary of State'.
The report of the then-India Secretary Montague and the Viceroy Lord Chelmsford formed the basis of the Government of India (Council) Act, of 1919.
The Government of India Act 1858 transferred control of India from the British East India Company to the British Crown following the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Transfer of Power: Control of India shifted from the East India Company to the British government.
Viceroy of India: The title of the Governor-General was changed to Viceroy of India, representing the British monarch.
End of the East India Company: The Company was dissolved, and its functions were taken over by the British government.
Secretary of State for India: This new office was created, with a cabinet minister overseeing Indian affairs.
Indian Army Control: The British government took direct control of the Indian Army.
Preservation of Local Governments: Local administrations continued, but under British oversight.
Religious & Cultural Protection: The British promised to respect Indian customs and religions.
The Morley-Minto Reforms (1909), or the Indian Councils Act of 1909, introduced the following key provisions:
Increased Representation: Expanded the size of the Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils, allowing more Indian members.
Separate Electorates: Introduced separate electorates for Muslims, allowing them to elect their own representatives.
Elections: Some members of the councils were elected, though only a limited number of elites could vote.
Increased Indian Participation: More Indian members were included in the councils, though British officials retained significant control.
Legislative Powers: Councils gained more power to discuss issues like the budget, but legislative powers remained limited.
During that time Lord Morley was the Secretary of state for India. This act is also known as Morley-Minto Reforms. Under this act Principal of direct election was included.
