Indian Council Act of 1861 (jan 1, 1861 – dec 31, 1861)

Description:

- Principle of ***non-officials*** in the legislative council --> laws to be made after due deliberation i.e discussion
- Some Indians were nominated as non-official members of his expanded Legislative council. Lord Canning nominated ***Raja of Benaras, Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao***
- However, the legislative councils had no real powers, need after GG approval, even after GG approval SOS can disallow legislation
- ****Portfolio system introduced**** as it laid the foundation of the Cabinet government in India
- ****Decentralisation of Power**** --> Vesting legislative powers in the governments of Bombay and Madras --> institution of similar legislative councils in other provinces laid the foundation of legislative devolution
- It also provided for the establishment of a new legislative council for Bengal(1862), Northwest provinces(1886), and Punjab(1897)
- It empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances without the concurrence of the legislative council, during the **emergency**. The life of such ordinances was 6 months
- Empowered the Viceroy to make rules ad orders for the more convenient transaction of business in the council

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