GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT 1858

Introduction

The Government of India Act 1858 was a key piece of law that transformed British India’s governance. The act passed in the aftermath of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a turning point in the history of British colonial power in India. The legislation transferred the authorities and authority of managing India to the British Crown by abolishing the East India Company’s governance. 

Features of Government of India Act 1858 

• Also known as the Act of Good Government of India.
• Abolition of EIC: It abolished the East India Company and transferred powers to the British Crown.
• Viceroy of India: The Governor General of India was given the new designation of the “Viceroy”, who was the direct representative of the crown.  
  • Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India.
• Ending Double Government: Abolished the Board of Control and Court of Directors, thus ending Double Government which came during Pitt’s India Act.
• Creation of Secretary of State: It created a new office for the “Secretary of State” for India, who was a member of the British Cabinet responsible to the British Parliament.
  • Lord Stanley was the first Secretary of state of India
• Council of India under Secretary of State: It established a 15-member council of India to assist the Secretary of State for India. The council was an advisory body. 
  • The secretary of state was made the Chairman of the council.
  • Secretary of State-in-Council as a body corporate, capable of suing and being sued in India and England.