Government of India Act of 1858
The Government of India Act of 1858 marked a significant shift in British governance in India, enacted after the Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny. The act known as the Act for the Good Government of India, abolished the East India Company and transferred governance, territories, and revenues to the British Crown.
Key Features:
- Change in Governance: India was now governed by and in the name of Her Majesty. The Governor-General of India became the Viceroy of India, representing the British Crown. Lord Canning was the first Viceroy.
- End of Double Government: The Board of Control and Court of Directors were abolished, centralizing control.
- Secretary of State for India: A new office of Secretary of State for India was created, holding full authority over Indian administration. The Secretary was a member of the British Cabinet and accountable to the British Parliament.
- Council of India: A 15-member advisory Council of India was established to assist the Secretary of State. The Secretary served as the chairman of the council.
- Legal Entity: The Secretary of State-in-Council was established as a body corporate, capable of suing and being sued in India and England.
Indian Councils Act of 1892
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 marked a further step towards including Indian representation in the legislative process and expanding the powers of the legislative councils.
Key Features:
- Increased Representation: The Act increased the number of additional (non-official) members in the Central and provincial legislative councils while still retaining an official majority in them.
- Expanded Functions: The Act expanded the functions of legislative councils by allowing them to discuss the budget and address questions to the executive.
- Nomination Process: The Act allowed for the nomination of some non-official members in the legislative councils:
- The Central Legislative Council members were nominated by the Viceroy based on the recommendations of provincial legislative councils and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce.
- Provincial legislative council members were nominated by the governors based on the recommendations of district boards, municipalities, universities, trade associations, zamindars, and chambers.
Indian Councils Act of 1909
Government of India Act of 1919
Government of India Act of 1935
Indian Independence Act of 1947
