Question

Which Act of British Parliament established a separate Governor-General’s Legislative Council?
1. Charter Act of 1833
2. Charter Act of 1853
3. Pitt’s India Act of 1784
4. Indian Councils Act of 1861.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Charter Act of 1853

The correct answer is Charter Act of 1853.

• As per provisions of Charter Act of 1853 Governor General’s Legislative Council came to be known as the Central Legislative Council.
• The Central Legislative Council started functioning as a Mini-Parliament.
• It adopted the same procedures of the British Parliament.
• Constitutional Development – Rule under the British Crown (1857-1947)

• Other Important provisions of Charter act of 1853. 
  • ​Civil Service Examination was introduced. It was a competitive examination for recruitment into the civil services.
  • Executive and Legislative functions of the Governor-General were separated.
  • This Act provided for the addition of 6 new members to the Legislative Council, 4 members were appointed by Provisional Governments of Bengal, Bombay, Madras and Agra.