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Landmarks in the Constitutional Development of India

Regulating Act, 1773
  • It was the first attempt by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company
  • Governor of Bengal became Governor General for all British territories in India
  • Governor General had a Council of 4 members to assist him in administration
  • Bombay and Madras Presidencies were subordinated to Bengal Presidency
  • Supreme Court was set up at Calcutta having jurisdiction over British subjects

Amending Act, 1781
  • Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court was defined
  • Governor-General-in-Council was made the final court of appeal from provincial court.

Pitt's India Act, 1784
  • East India Company's Court of Directors (consisting of 24 members) was left with the responsibilities of only commercial affairs of the company
  • Board of Control consisting of 6 Parliamentary Commissioners was constituted to control civil, military and revenue affairs of East India Company in India.
  • Court of Directors had to comply with the orders and directions of the Board.

Act of 1786
  • Governor-General to be the Commander-in-Chief of Indian Forces

Charter Act, 1793
  • Company  was given monopoly of trade for 20 more years.
  • Expenses and salaries of the Board of Control was to be charged on Indian Revenue
  • Governor-General could override his council

Charter Act,1813
  • Company's monopoly over Indian trade was finished except trade in tea and opium trade with China.
  • Trade with India was thrown open to all British merchants subject to certain restrictions
  • A sum of Rs. 1 lakh earmarked annually for the development of education in India

Charter Act, 1833
  • End of Company's monopoly over trade in tea and trade in opium with China
  • Governor-General of Bengal to be known as Governor-General of India who was to be assisted by a council known as Indian Council
  • A fourth member was added to Council of Governor-General as a Law Member (Lord Macaulay was the first law member)
  • Government of Madras and Bombay were deprived of their legislative powers
  • Government Service was thrown open to the people of India
  • Provision made for appointment of Law Commission for codification of law

Charter Act, 1853
  • Executive Council of Governor-General was expanded by adding 6 additional members known as Legislative Councilors for legislative purposes
  • Law member was made a full member of the Executive Council of the Governor-General
  • Recruitment of Civil Services was based on open annual competitive examination
  • British Parliament was empowered to hand over Indian administration to the British Crown
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