The constitutional development in India under British rule can be traced through various acts and reforms that were implemented over time. Here’s an overview of some key acts along with their provisions:
Regulating Act of 1773:
- Established the Supreme Court of Judicature in Calcutta.
- Created the position of Governor-General of Bengal with limited powers.
- Aimed to regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India.
Pitt’s India Act of 1784:
- Placed the British East India Company under the control of the British government.
- Established dual control through the Board of Control and the Court of Directors.
- Gave the British government the authority to oversee and regulate Company activities in India.
Charter Act of 1833:
- Abolished the trading monopoly of the British East India Company in India.
- Renewed the Company’s charter for 20 years.
- Introduced several administrative reforms, including centralized administration in India.
Charter Act of 1853:
- Ended the British East India Company’s monopoly on Indian trade.
- Opened Indian civil services to competition through competitive examinations.
- Aimed to improve governance and administration in India.
Government of India Act of 1858:
- Transferred the administration of India from the British East India Company to the British Crown.
- Established the Secretary of State for India and the Indian Council (later known as the India Office and the India Council).
- Introduced a centralized administrative system with a Viceroy at the center and Governors in provinces.
Indian Councils Act of 1861:
- Expanded the legislative councils in India.
- Introduced the portfolio system, where each member of the Executive Council was made in charge of a specific department.
- Increased Indian representation in legislative affairs.
Indian Councils Act of 1892:
- Increased the number of additional members in the legislative councils.
- Allowed for some non-official members to be appointed through limited elections.
- Expanded Indian participation in legislative processes.
Indian Councils Act of 1909:
- Expanded the size and powers of the legislative councils.
- Introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
- Increased Indian representation in the government.
Government of India Act of 1919:
- Introduced dyarchy at the provincial level, dividing powers into reserved and transferred subjects.
- Extended the principle of separate electorates.
- Expanded the powers of legislative councils and introduced bicameralism in some provinces.
Government of India Act of 1935:
- Introduced provincial autonomy and federal structure (partially implemented).
- Divided powers between central (federal) and provincial governments.
- Established bicameral legislatures at both central and provincial levels.
- Provided for the establishment of a Federal Court.