The Charter Act of 1833 was a crucial legislation during British colonial rule in India, which introduced significant changes. These provisions marked a transformative period in the governance and legal framework of British India as mentioned below.
- Sir William Bentinck became the first Governor-General of India when the position was renamed from Governor-General of Bengal. This change unified the administration of the entire country under one leadership.
- The governors of Bombay and Madras lost their legislative powers.
- The Governor-General gained legislative authority over all of British India.
- Civil and military affairs of the EIC were overseen by the Governor-General of the Council.
- The Governor-General was empowered to change, repeal, or amend laws for all persons and places within British Indian Territory.
- The Governor’s Council required four members, with a fourth member having limited powers. This marked the first time the Government of the Governor-General was referred to as the Government of India, and the Council was named the Council of India.
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- Every law enacted in India had to be presented to the British Parliament and referred to as ‘Acts.’
- A legal body called the Indian Judiciary Commission was established.
- Lord Macaulay headed the inaugural Judiciary Committee.
- The CPC (1859), IPC (1860), and CrPC (1861) were enacted.
- Governor General was empowered to legislate for whole of India on any matter.
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The legislation outlined a plan to split the Presidency of Bengal between the Presidents of Agra and Fort William. Nevertheless, this division was never implemented.
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- This act marked the first instance of allowing Indians to participate in the administration of the country. It emphasized the selection of civil servants based on merit rather than factors such as birth, color, religion, or race.
- The concept of establishing a modern Civil Service based on merit was introduced from the suggestions put forth in Lord Macaulay’s Report in 1854.
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- This law totally abolished the slavery in British India.
- The Governor-General appointed by the Council was instructed to take action to abolish slavery in the region.
- The 5th Act of 1843 officially put an end to slavery in India.
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- The law facilitated the consolidation of financial resources, limiting the ability of individual presidential governments to raise and spend money.
- All financial responsibilities, including revenue generation and expenditures, were shifted to the Governor-General’s Council.
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- Law allowed India to have three bishops in response to the growing British population in the country.
- The legislation aimed to regulate the establishment of Christian institutions in India.
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Charter Act of 1833
the Charter Act of 1833 marked as a significant shift in British India’s governance. It reshaped the governance of India under British rule. The legislation introduced key reforms, such as the establishment of the Indian Law Commission to systematize and document the laws in India. The Act addressed social issues by prohibiting harmful practices for society like Sati and emphasized the importance of education. Moreover, in this act, the British Parliament declared that children born to slaves after a certain date would be considered free. Overall, the Charter Act of 1833 brought about noteworthy changes in the administration of India, encompassing legal, social, and educational advancements.