Q. With reference to ‘Indian Council Act of 1861’, consider the following statements:
1. It restored the legislative powers to the Bombay and Madras Presidencies.
2. It established a 15-member Council of India to assist the secretary of state for India.
3. It ended the system of double government by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors.
4. It empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances without the concurrence of the legislative council.
How many of the above given statements are correct?
Exp) Option b is the correct answer. After the great revolt of 1857, the British Government felt the necessity of seeking the cooperation of the Indians in the administration of their country. In pursuance of this policy of association, three acts were enacted by the British Parliament in 1861, 1892 and 1909.
Statement 1 is correct: Indian Councils Act of 1861 restored the legislative powers to the Bombay and Madras Presidencies, which had been taken away by the Charter Act of 1833.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Government of India Act of 1858 (not Indian Councils Act of 1861) established a 15-member Council of India to assist the secretary of state for India. The council was an advisory body.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Government of India Act, 1858 ended the system of double government by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors.
Statement 4 is correct: The Indian Council Act of 1861 empowered the Viceroy to make rules and orders for the more convenient transaction of business in the council. It also gave recognition to the ‘portfolio’ system, introduced by Lord Canning in 1859. The Act empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances, without the concurrence of the legislative council, during an emergency
