(1773-1858) The Company Rule (Regulating Act Of 10773) Features Of The Act:
The Company Rule (Regulating Act Of 1773)
The Act remodeled the constitution of the company both in England and in India. in England, the right to vote in the court of Proprietors was raised from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000. Also, it was provided that the Court of Directors, hitherto elected every year, was henceforth to be elected for four years.
The number of Directors was fixed at 24, out of which 1/4th retiring every year. Also, they were required to lay before the treasury all correspondence from India dealing with the revenues and before the secretary of State everything dealing with civil and military admonition. Thus for the first time the British Cabinet was given the right of controlling the India affairs.
The Act designated the Governor of Bengal as the ‘Governor General’ of Bengal and created an executive council of four members to assist him. The first such Governor General was lord warren Hastings and the councilors war Philip Francis, claverin, monsoon and Barwell. They were to hold office for a period of five and could be removed earlier only by the king on the recommendation of the court of Directors further, the Governor General in council were wasted with the civil and military government of the Presidency of Fort William in Bengal.
- The Act for the establishment of a Supreme Court at Calcutta in 1774 with Sir Elijah Impey as Chief Justice and Chambers, Lemaister and Hyde as the puisne judges.
- It made the Governors of Bombay and Madras presidencies subordinate to the Governor of Bengal.
- The Act also prohibited the servants of the company from engaging in any private trade or accepting gifts or bribe from the natives. Thus, laying down the foundational principle of honest administration.
Assessment/critical analysis of the Act of 1773:
The Regulating Act of 1773, tried to sail in an uncharted sea. As it left the details of administration in India to the devices of the company. However, it tried to organize an honest and efficient supreme authority in Bengal, Madras & Bombay and to provide against the abuse of their powers by the servants of the company. It was a failure and only added to Hastings difficulties instead of strengthening him. The Act was in operation for 11 years till it was superseded by the Pitt’s India Act of 1984.
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1. Introduction of Indian Constitution-
https://kredoz.com/introduction-of-indian-constitution/
2. Indian Constitution: Historical Under pinning’s: Evolution- https://kredoz.com/indian-constitution-historical-development/
