5. Charter Act, 1853

It’s considered as a significant constitutional landmark:

♤ For the first time, legislative and executive functions (of the Governor General’s

Council) were clearly demarcated.

o It provided for addition of six new members under a body called ‘Indian Legislative Council’ or ‘Central Legislative Council’. Four out of six members were appointed by the provisional governments of Madras, Bombay, Bengal and Agra.

o Thus, it marked the beginning of Parliamentary system in India.

♤ It introduced an open competition system for selection and recruitment of civil servants.*

o It implied that the ‘covenanted’ civil services were now open for Indians too.

o Macaulay Committee was set up to recommend for enforcing the same in 1854.

♤ It introduced for the first time, local (provincial) representation to Indian Legislative Council. Four members were appointed by the local governments of Madras, Bombay, Bengal and Agra.

♤ It extended Company’s rule and allowed it to retain the possession of Indian territories on trust for British Crown. But, it did not specify any particular period, unlike previous Charters. This was an indication that the Company’s rule could be terminated at any time the Parliament liked.