Question

How did the indian councils act of 1861 commence the legislative devolution system in india?

Answer 1

The Viceroy was allowed to issue ordinances lasting six months if the Legislative Council is not in session in an emergency.

The Secretary of State for India, Sir Charles Wood, believed that the Act was of immense importance: "the act is a great experiment. That everything is changing in India is obvious enough, and that the old autocratic government cannot stand unmodified is indisputable."[3]

The 1861 Act restored the legislative powers of Bombay and Madras Presidencies taken away by the Charter Act of 1833. The legislative council at Calcutta was given extensive authority to pass laws for British India as a whole, but the legislative councils at Bombay and Madras were given the power to make laws for the "Peace and good Government" for only their respective presidencies.The Governor General was given the power to create new provinces for legislative purposes and could appoint Lieutenant Governors for the provinces.[4]

However, from India's point of view, the act did little to improve the influence of Indians in the legislative council. The role of council was limited to advice, and no financial discussion could take place.

Answer 2

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 is the first act that commenced the legislative devolution system in India.  

The Indian Council Act of 1861 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which made the executive council of India to a cabinet run under the portfolio system.

The Act that appointed six members to took the responsibility of departments like home, revenue, military,law, finance and public work in the Calcutta government.