Reforms under Cornwallis (1786-1793)— Separation of Powers

● The District Fauzdari Courts were abolished and, instead, circuit courts were established at Calcutta, Dacca, Murshidabad and Patna. These circuit courts had European judges and were to act as courts of appeal for both civil and criminal cases.

● The Sadar Nizamat Adalat was shifted to Calcutta and was put under the governor-general and members of the Supreme Council assisted by the chief qazi and the chief mufti.

● The District Diwani Adalat was now designated as the District, City or the Zila Court and placed under a district judge. The collector was now responsible only for the revenue administration with no magisterial functions.

● A gradation of civil courts was established (for both Hindu and Muslim laws)—

(i) Munsiff’s Court under Indian officers,

(ii) Registrar’s Court under a European judge,

(iii) District Court under the district judge,

(iv) Four Circuit Courts as provincial courts of appeal,

(v) Sadar Diwani Adalat at Calcutta, and

(vi) King-in-Council for appeals of 5000 pounds and above.

● The Cornwallis Code was laid out—

— There was a separation of revenue and justice administration.

— European subjects were also brought under jurisdiction.

— Government officials were answerable to the civil courts for actions done in their official capacity.

— The principle of sovereignty of law was established.