Regulating act of 1773

Regulating act of 1773

this act was of great constitutional importance as it was the first step taken by the British government to control and regulate affairs of the East India company in India. It recognised first time , the political and administrative function of the company; and it laid the foundation of  administration in India.

The features of this Act was as follows:

1. It designated the governor of Bengal as the "Governor General of Bengal" and created an executive            council of four members to assist him. The first such Governor General was Lord warren Hastings.

2. It made the governors of Bombay and Madras presidencies subordinate to governor general of Bengal,      unlike earlier, when the three presidencies were independent of one another.

3. It provided for the establishment of a Supreme Court at Calcutta (1774) comprising one chief justice          and three other judges.

4. It prohibited the servants of company from engaging in any private trade or accepting presents of                bribes from the "native".

5. It strengthened the control of the British Government over the company by requiring the court of                directors to report on its revenue, civil and military affairs in India.