UPSC Polity Question
With reference to 'Indian Council Act of 1861', consider the following statements: 1. It restored the legislative powers to the Bombay and Madras Presidencies. 2. It established a 15-member Council of India to assist the secretary of state for India. 3. It ended the system of double government by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors. 4. It empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances without the concurrence of the legislative council. How many of the above given statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Correct Answer:
B. Only two
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The 1861 Act restored legislative powers to the Bombay and Madras Presidencies, initiating a process of decentralization. Statement 2 is incorrect: The 15-member Council of India was established by the Government of India Act of 1858. Statement 3 is incorrect: The system of double government was ended by the Government of India Act of 1858. Statement 4 is correct: The Act empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances during an emergency without the legislative council's concurrence.