write two merits and demerits of the Indian councils act 1861
Answers
INDIAN COUNCIL ACT
This act namely the Indian Council Act was enacted on 1st August 1896 by the Parliament of United kingdom.
The aim of this act was to include Indians with the work of legislature and to make some changes in the features of Governor General council.
MERITS OF THE ACT
A fifth member was added in the council, and later in 1874 one more person was added
At least half of the additional members were to be non-official i.e, British or Indian.
The Viceroy had all the power to control the council, if he wanted.
DEMERITS OF THE ACT
The Indians were nominated for the council, but they never gained a statutory position in it.
The governor general took all the absolute powers.
The Viceroy was allowed to issue ordinances that lasted for approx six months.
More Information
The role of council was limited to advice, and no financial discussion could take place in the respective council.