The Charter Act of 1793, also known as the East India Company Act, was a significant administrative and legislative reform that paved the way for the British government’s control over India before 1857.
Consolidation of Previous Acts
The Charter Act of 1793 consolidated the main provisions of previous Acts, such as the Regulating Act of 1773, and provided a framework for the British government’s governance of India. This meant that all the laws and regulations that governed the East India Company’s operations in India were brought together under one Act, making it easier for the British government to govern and control India.
Payment of Salaries from Indian Revenue
The Act provided for the payment of salaries of the members of the Board of Controllers from Indian revenue. This meant that the British government would use Indian revenue to pay the salaries of the members of the Board of Controllers, who were responsible for overseeing the East India Company’s operations in India. This provision was important because it ensured that the British government had control over the finances of the East India Company and could ensure that the company was not misusing Indian revenue.
Court’s Power to Interpret Rules and Regulations
The Act gave courts the power to interpret rules and regulations. This meant that Indian courts could interpret the laws and regulations that governed the East India Company’s operations in India. This was important because it ensured that the laws and regulations were applied fairly and consistently across India. It also meant that Indian courts could make decisions based on Indian customs and traditions, rather than solely on British laws and regulations.