Under which Charter Act was the Law Commission set up in India ?

The correct answer is - Charter Act of 1833

Key Points

• Charter Act of 1833
  • The Charter Act of 1833, also known as the Government of India Act 1833, was a significant legislative act passed by the British Parliament.
  • It established the Law Commission in India under the chairmanship of Lord Macaulay.
  • The primary objective of the Law Commission was to codify and consolidate Indian laws, paving the way for a uniform legal system in India.
  • This Act marked the beginning of systematic law reforms in India and laid the foundation for modern Indian legislation.
  • It also centralized legislative powers by making the Governor-General-in-Council the sole legislative authority for British India.

Additional Information

• Other Charter Acts and Their Provisions
  • Charter Act of 1793
    • Extended the powers of the East India Company for another 20 years.
    • Allowed the company to manage revenues and commercial activities in India.
  • Charter Act of 1813
    • Ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company, except for trade in tea and with China.
    • Allowed Christian missionaries to propagate their religion in India.
  • Charter Act of 1853
    • Marked the beginning of the Parliamentary system in India by introducing an open competition system for civil services.
    • Separated the legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s Council.
• Lord Macaulay’s Role
  • Lord Macaulay was the first chairman of the Law Commission established under the Charter Act of 1833.
  • He played a significant role in drafting the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which became a cornerstone of the Indian legal system.