6. CHARTER ACT OF 1853

Background: Last of the Charter Acts; came just before the 1857 Revolt.

Key Provisions

• Renewed Company's rule but did NOT fix a definite term (unlike earlier acts renewing for 20 years) — power could be withdrawn at any time by Parliament, signaling eventual end of Company rule.
• Separated, for the first time, the legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General's Council.
• Added 6 additional (Legislative) members to the Governor-General's Council for legislative purposes — this legislative wing came to be known as the Indian (Central) Legislative Council, functioning as a mini-Parliament, adopting procedures of the British Parliament.
• Introduced an element (though minor and indirect) of representation — 4 of the 6 new legislative members nominated by the local (provincial) governments of Madras, Bombay, Bengal, and Agra.
• Introduced open competition (competitive examination) system for the recruitment of Civil Servants — Macaulay Committee (1854) recommended the scheme; Indians were theoretically allowed to compete, though examinations held in London made real participation nearly impossible — Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to clear ICS (1863).
• Extended Company's rule "until Parliament shall otherwise provide" (i.e., open-ended).

Significance/Impact

• First introduction of a separate legislative machinery/legislative council distinct from executive — a precursor to modern legislature.
• Introduced (for the first time) local representation, however limited, in law-making bodies.
• Introduced open competitive examinations for civil service.
• Set the stage for eventual transfer of power to the Crown (1858), since Company's rule was no longer guaranteed for a fixed term.

Key Facts / Quick Revision Points

• Year: 1853 — last Charter Act
• Legislative and executive functions of Governor-General's Council separated for first time
• 6 new legislative members added → Indian (Central) Legislative Council
• Open competition for Civil Services introduced
• Company's rule not renewed for a fixed term — could end anytime

PART B: SOCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM MEASURES (COMPANY PERIOD)