Tamil Nadu Timeline

LegislationBritish Crown rule

Indian Councils Act restores Madras legislative powers

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Indian Councils Act restores Madras legislative powers
File:Emblem of Tamil Nadu.svg:User:NikNaks File:Emblem of India.svg: Various(see file) File:Flag_of_India.svg: various (see file) Derivative work:Perumalism Chat 08:23, 19 July 2013 (UTC), Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Through the Indian Councils Act 1861, the Madras Presidency regained law-making powers and gained an advisory Madras Legislative Council.

The Charter Act of 1833 had stripped the Bombay and Madras presidencies of their power to legislate, and the Indian Councils Act 1861 gave it back. Under it the Madras Legislative Council was formed as an advisory body that the colonial government consulted on proposed laws. Subject to approval by the Governor-General, the council could legislate for the 'peace and good government' of the presidency. Nominated non-official members sat on it, and it is seen as the origin of the present-day Tamil Nadu legislature.

Related events

  1. 1858

    1. 1 Nov 1858ChennaiGovernance

      Crown takes over the government of India

      Following the Government of India Act 1858, a proclamation by Queen Victoria declared direct Crown rule over British India, the Madras Presidency included.

  2. 1862

    1. 1 Jan 1862ChennaiLaw Justice

      Indian Penal Code comes into force

      Drafted under Macaulay and enacted in 1860, the Indian Penal Code took effect throughout British India, the Madras Presidency included.

  3. 1909

    1. 1909ChennaiLegislation

      Morley-Minto reforms

      The Indian Councils Act 1909 introduced elections to the legislative councils, including Madras, and admitted Indians to the Madras executive council.

  4. 1919

    1. 23 Dec 1919ChennaiLegislation

      Government of India Act 1919 introduces dyarchy

      Based on the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, the Act introduced dyarchy in the provinces, including Madras, transferring some subjects to elected ministers.

  5. 1925

    1. 1925ChennaiLegislation

      Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act

      A law passed under the Justice Party government placed Hindu temple endowments under the oversight of a statutory board.

  6. 1929

    1. 1929ChennaiGovernance

      Madras Service Commission set up

      Created by a Madras law, the Madras Service Commission was India's first provincial public service commission and the predecessor of TNPSC.

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