Charter Acts

Charter Acts were a series of Acts passed by the British Parliament to regulate the growing power of East India Company. They were important in the sense that they forms the foundation of administration of India by the Britishers. This is one of the reasons why it is most important topic for UPSC Prelims every year and one question definitely comes from this topic. Now let’s understand these acts in detail and an easy to understood language:

Regulating Act, 1773

• This act was passed because British government wanted to control the growing influence of East India Company.
• Act was framed on the basis of Lord North Committee.
• Governor of Bengal will now be Governor General of Bengal.
• 4-member executive council to assist Governor General. Their advice is binding on Governor General.
• Foundation of Central Administration in India
• Establishment of Supreme Court at Calcutta (1ST Chief Justice was Eliza Impay)
• Private Trade was banned
• Bengal Presidency was made supreme

Pitt's India Act, 1784

• Established a dual government
1. Court of Directors = Commercial Functions
2. Board of Control = Political Functions
• Number of members in Governor General executive council reduced from 4 to 3
• East India Company Territories in India were officially declared as “British Possessions in India”
• Governor General of Bengal cannot declare war with the permission from British Parliament.

Charter Act, 1786

• Governor General of Bengal was given veto to override his executive council.

Charter Act, 1793

• The act extended East India Company exclusive privileges to trade for further 20 years.

Charter Act, 1813

• Monopoly of East India Company was restricted to tea trade and trade with China.
• This Act allowed Christian Missionaries activities in India
• Rs 1 lakh was given annually for promoting literature and sciences among Indian subjects.

Charter Act, 1833

• East India Company exclusive trade privileges were completely ended.
• Governor General of Bengal is now called Governor General of India.
• Enlargement of Executive Council by addition of 4th Law member. Law member does not have right to vote. T.B Macaulay was the first law member.

Charter Act, 1853

• This act separated legislative and executive functions of Governor General.
• Law member was given the right to vote
• 6 new members known as Legislative Councillors were appointed.
• Open Competition for civil services started through this Act