Previous Year Question

The Charter Act of 1833 is the correct answer. Section 87 of the Act laid down the important principle that no native of India could be disqualified from holding any place, office or employment under the East India Company merely on grounds of religion, place of birth, descent or colour. This provision thus opened, in principle, the possibility of Indian participation in administration.

Its immediate practical impact was, however, very limited. IGNOU material notes that despite this declaration, Indians largely continued to be excluded from higher civil and military posts. Nevertheless, the provision became important because Indians later relied upon this principle while demanding equality of opportunity in public employment.

The significance of the Charter Act of 1833 extended further. It made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India, centralised legislative authority, and provided for a Law Member in the Governor-General's Council for legislative purposes. India's first Law Commission was also established under this Act.

There can be confusion with the Indian Councils Act, 1861. That Act represented the next major stage by associating Indians with the legislative process. Lord Canning subsequently nominated Indian members to the Legislative Council. Thus, 1833 opened legal eligibility for administrative office, whereas 1861 marked a concrete beginning of Indian participation in legislation.