During the period of company rule, which spanned from 1773 to 1858, the British Parliament passed several acts to regulate and oversee the East India Company’s activities in India. Regulating Act, 1773 was the first British Parliament step towards legislation based governance in India. However, by 1858, the company’s control came to an end following the Sepoy Mutiny, and the British Parliament assumed direct responsibility for governing India.
The arrival of the East India Company in India in 1600 marked the beginning of a transformative period in Indian history. Over the years, the company managed to exert significant administrative control, ultimately leading to the establishment of a vast British empire. Legislations, from Regulating Act of 1773 to Government of India Act of 1935 served British Interests through regulations and acts. In this article, we will explore the key acts and policies adopted by the British Parliament through Regulating Act, 1773 and subsequent Declaratory act 1781 and Pitt’s India Act, 1784, that enabled the British to sustain their rule and laid the foundation for British subjugation of Indian population.
Background of Regulating Act, 1773
The Regulating Act of 1773 was a significant piece of legislation enacted by the British Parliament to address the administrative challenges faced by the British East India Company in India. By the mid-18th century, the East India Company had established its presence in India and gained substantial economic and territorial power. However, with the expansion of its territories, the company faced increasing difficulties in managing its administrative affairs effectively.
During this period, the company’s governance in India was characterized by corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability. There were numerous instances of abuse of power by company officials, leading to widespread discontent among the Indian population and even within the ranks of the company itself. The mismanagement of affairs reached a critical point after the disastrous Battle of Buxar in 1764, where the company’s military success against Indian rulers further heightened its administrative responsibilities.
Corruption within company officials became a significant problem to tackle with. Apart from lower rank company officials. Robert Clive and Lord Warren Hastings are two key figures who were involved in large scale corruption prior to 1773.
Impeachment trails of Warren Hastings
One of the Governors of Bengal who was charged with corruption during his time in India was Warren Hastings. Warren Hastings served as the Governor-General of Bengal from 1772 to 1785, and he was one of the key figures during the early phase of British rule in India.
During his tenure, Hastings faced numerous allegations of corruption and abuse of power. One of the most notable instances of corruption associated with Hastings was the trial and impeachment proceedings against him in the British Parliament.
Hastings’ actions during the Rohilla War in 1774 and the First Anglo-Maratha War in 1775-1782 came under scrutiny. It was alleged that he engaged in extortion, bribery, and misuse of power to secure advantages for the British East India Company. Additionally, he was accused of accepting gifts and payments from Indian rulers and officials to influence company policies in their favor.
The trial against Warren Hastings lasted from 1788 to 1795, making it one of the longest and most significant impeachment trials in British history. Hastings was ultimately acquitted of most of the charges, and the trial brought attention to the issues of corruption and abuses of power within the British East India Company’s administration in India.
Despite his acquittal, the impeachment trial had a lasting impact on the governance of India and the regulation of British officials in the country. It highlighted the need for better oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent corruption and misuse of power by company officials.
Objectives of Regulating Act, 1773
The company’s rapid growth and territorial acquisitions demanded a more systematic approach to governance and administration. To address these issues and reform the company’s administrative practices, the British Parliament felt the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework.
The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first major attempt by the British government to assert control over the East India Company’s operations in India. The act was introduced in response to mounting concerns about the company’s mismanagement and the need to streamline its affairs under effective supervision.
The primary objectives of the Regulating Act were:
- To establish a centralized administration: The act aimed to create a more centralized authority in India by designating the Governor of Bengal as the ‘Governor-General of Bengal.’ This new position consolidated administrative power under a single authority, responsible for overseeing the company’s territories and operations in India.
- To curb corruption and malpractices: The act sought to address corruption and bribery among the company’s officials. Provisions were included to prevent company servants from engaging in private trade and accepting bribes, aiming to ensure a more accountable and transparent administration.
- To strengthen judicial structures: The establishment of the Supreme Court at Calcutta was a significant development under the Regulating Act. The court, with a chief justice and three other judges, brought the formal British legal system to India. It was intended to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice.
- To improve reporting and accountability: The act mandated the Court of directors of the East India Company to provide regular reports on revenue, civil, and military affairs in India. This measure aimed to enhance oversight and transparency in the company’s governance.
Provisions of Regulating Act, 1773
The Regulating Act of 1773 was a critical turning point, as it was the first time the British government intervened to regulate the affairs of the East India Company. This act introduced several significant provisions:
- Designation of the Governor of Bengal as the ‘Governor-General of Bengal,’ consolidating authority under a single position.
- Establishment of an executive council comprising four members to assist the Governor-General. Warren Hastings was appointed as the first Governor-General.
- The Act brought the governors of Madras and Mumbai presidencies under the authority of the Governor-General, centralizing power.
- Creation of the Supreme Court at Calcutta with a chief justice and three other judges, marking the formal introduction of British legal proceedings in India. Sir Elijah Impey became The first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Calcutta. He served as the Chief Justice from 1774 to 1789.
- Strict measures were implemented to prohibit East India Company officials from engaging in private trade or accepting bribes.
- The Court of directors of the East India Company was mandated to provide regular reports on revenue, civil, and military affairs in India.
Importance of Regulating Act, 1773
The Regulating Act was a crucial step towards centralizing administration in India, recognizing the political and administrative functions of the East India Company.
Amending Act of 1781 (Declaratory Act)
The Amending Act of 1781, also known as the Declaratory Act, sought to address certain issues identified in the Regulating Act. Key features of this act were:
- Restriction of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to Calcutta, confining its legal reach.
- Exemption of civil servants, revenue collectors, and judicial officers from the court’s jurisdiction when they acted in their official capacity.
- Appeals from provincial courts were to be directed to the Governor-General-in-council, streamlining the judicial process.
- The Governor-General-in-council was empowered to issue rules, ordinances, and regulations, which were required to be registered in the Supreme Court.
Importance of Declaratory Act, 1781
The act aimed to clarify the separation of executive and judicial functions in India, laying the groundwork for future legal frameworks.
Pitt’s India Act of 1784
The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 introduced a significant change in the management of British possessions in India, distinguishing between political and commercial functions. Key provisions included:
- Creation of a new Board of Directors to oversee political affairs, while the existing court of directors of the East India Company retained control over commercial matters.
- The Board of Directors was vested with the authority to supervise and direct civil and military government operations, as well as manage revenues of the British possessions in India.
Importance of Pitts india Act. 1784
The act marked a pivotal shift in governance, granting the British government supreme control over the company’s affairs and administration in India. It also officially referred to the company’s possessions as British territories.
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