Regulating Act 1773 to Government of India Act 1935: Constitutional Evolution

Introduction

The constitutional evolution of India under British rule spanned over 160 years, beginning with the Regulating Act of 1773 and culminating in the Government of India Act of 1935. This period witnessed a gradual transfer of administrative control from the East India Company to the British Crown, and eventually toward limited self-governance for Indians.

Key Legislations

Regulating Act of 1773

• First step by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company
• Designated the Governor of Bengal as the Governor-General of Bengal (Warren Hastings)
• Established a Supreme Court at Calcutta (1774)
• Created an Executive Council of four members to assist the Governor-General
• Significance: First attempt to centralize administration in India

Pitt's India Act of 1784

• Distinguished between commercial and political functions of the Company
• Established the Board of Control to oversee political affairs
• Subordinated the Governor-General's Council to the British Parliament
• Reduced the strength of the Governor-General's Council from four to three

Charter Act of 1833

• Ended the commercial monopoly of the East India Company (except for tea and opium)
• Designated the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India...