• Indian constitution is the lengthiest written constitution in the world. The development of the Indian constitution has its roots in the British rule.
• In the year 1600, East India Company from Britain came to India for trading. In the year 1765, the company became a territorial power by obtaining the “diwani” rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
• The ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ of 1858 gave the crown perfect opportunity to assume direct responsibility for the governance of India.

The development is divided into 2 phases:

• The Company Rule (1773- 1858)
• The crown Rule (1858-1947)

1. Regulating Act of 1773:

• First step taken by British Parliament to control & regulate the affairs of East India Company in Indian subcontinent.
• Governor of Bengal was designated as the Governor- General of Bengal.
• Executive Council (four members) was created for providing assistance to Governor General.
• Presidency of Bengal become superior to those of Bombay and Madras.
• Supreme Court at Calcutta established in 1774, comprising Chief Justice and three other judges.

2. Pitt’s India Act of 1784:

• Company’s commercial and political functions separated.
• A “Board of Control”consisting of six members was appointed for handling political affairs.
• “Court of Directors” were allowed to manage commercial affairs.

3. Charter Act of 1813

• Monopoly of East India Company abolished.
• Christian missionaries were allowed to work in India.

4. Charter Act of 1833:

• Governor General of Bengal became Governor General of India.
• Beginning of Central legislature for India. Act took away legislative powers of Bombay and Madras provinces.
• East India Company became a purely administrative body. Companies’ activities as commercial body ended.

5. Charter Act of 1853:

• Legislative and executive functions of the Governor General’s Council separated.
• 6 members in Indian (Central) legislative council. 4 were appointed by provincial governments.