The Charter Act of 1853

● The Company was to continue possession of territories unless the Parliament provided otherwise.

● The strength of the Court of Directors was reduced to 18.

● The Company’s patronage over the services was dissolved—the services were now thrown open to a competitive examination.

● The law member became the full member of the governor-general’s executive council.

● The separation of the executive and legislative functions of the Government of British India progressed with the inclusion of six additional members for legislative purposes.

● Local representation was introduced in the Indian

legislature. The legislative wing came to be known as the Indian Legislative Council. However, a law to be promulgated needed the assent of the governor-general, and the governor- general could veto any Bill of the legislative council.