Important Reforms/Acts | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Reforms

• The Regulating Act of 1773, passed by the British Parliament, aimed to regulate the administration of the East India Company and exert control over its territories in India. The Act brought about changes in the Company's structure, requiring it to share all civil and military communications from Bengal and India's revenues with the government. It elevated the position of the Governor of Bengal to that of Governor-General, who would lead a council of four members. The Governor General in Council was granted the authority to supervise and control the presidencies of Madras and Bombay in matters of war and peace. Additionally, the Act established a Supreme Court of Justice in Calcutta to provide justice to Europeans and residents of Calcutta. However, the Regulating Act faced practical difficulties and shortcomings in its implementation. The oversight of the British government was ineffective, and the Governor General encountered opposition from his council, resulting in a lack of unity and hindering the resolution of significant internal and external issues. The administration often faced impasses and hindered smooth functioning.
• In contrast, Pitt's India Act of 1784 introduced a system of dual government, granting the Court of Directors authority over commercial affairs and establishing the Board of Control to manage political matters. The Governor General and council became subordinate to the British government, and they were restricted from declaring war or making treaties without the approval of the directors or the secret committee.
• The Charter Act of 1793 extended the Company's charter for 20 years and emphasized the Governor General's and Governors' powers to override their councils. It also established a comprehensive code of regulations for the internal governance of British territories in Bengal, including the rights, persons, and property of the Indian people.
• Similarly, the Charter Act of 1813 renewed the Company's charter for 20 years while asserting the British Crown's sovereignty over Indian territories. The Act abolished the Company's trade monopoly with India but allowed it to continue the monopoly with China. Indian trade was opened to all British merchants.
• The Charter Act of 1833 marked a significant milestone in India's constitutional history. It abolished the Company's monopoly of tea trade with China, restricted its role to political functions, and mandated India to repay the Company's debts. The Act designated the Governor General of Bengal as the Governor General of India and vested in him all civil and military powers. The Governor General in Council was responsible for controlling and directing the Company's civil and military affairs. The Act also provided for the codification of laws in India, leading to the establishment of the Law Commission and the enactment of the Indian Penal Code and Codes of Civil and Criminal Law.
• The Charter Act of 1853 introduced separate legislative and executive functions in the Governor-General's council. It created the Indian Legislative Council, adding six legislative councillors and allowing for open competition in civil service recruitment. It also enabled local representation in the legislative council, with four members appointed by provincial governments.
• The Government of India Act in 1858, known as the Act for the Good Government of India, abolished the East India Company and transferred governmental powers, territories, and revenues to the British Crown. India was to be governed in the name of Queen Victoria, with the Governor-General of India assuming the title of Viceroy. The Board of Control and Court of Directors were replaced by the Secretary of State for India and his Council, who governed India on behalf of the Crown. The Act established an India Council consisting of fifteen members to advise the Secretary of State, who had the authority to overrule their decisions.
• Overall, the Act of 1858 primarily focused on improving the administrative machinery for supervising and controlling the Indian Government in England, without significantly altering the existing system of governance in India.