Understanding the Abolition of the India Council

The question asks about the specific Act that led to the abolition of the India Council. The India Council, also known as the Council of India, was a body established by the Government of India Act 1858. Its purpose was to assist the Secretary of State for India in governing British India.

Role of the India Council

The India Council consisted of members, usually experienced administrators from India, who provided advice to the Secretary of State. This council had significant influence over policy and expenditure related to India.

Constitutional Reforms and the India Council

Over time, various constitutional reforms were introduced in British India. Acts like the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 and the Government of India Act 1919 brought changes to the legislative councils and introduced concepts like dyarchy, but they did not abolish the India Council. The Council continued to function, advising the Secretary of State.

The Government of India Act 1935 and its Impact

A major constitutional step was taken with the Government of India Act 1935. This Act proposed significant changes, including the idea of an All-India Federation and provincial autonomy. Among its many provisions, the Act addressed the structure of the India Office in London. A key change introduced by the Government of India Act 1935 was the abolition of the Council of India.

With the abolition of the Council, the Secretary of State for India's advisors were now different and not legally binding in the same way the Council's advice often was. The Act streamlined the administrative machinery in London concerning India.

Analyzing the Options

• Morley Minto Reform 1909: These reforms are known for introducing separate electorates and increasing Indian participation in legislative councils, but they did not abolish the India Council.
• The Government of India Act 1919: This Act introduced dyarchy in the provinces and made changes to the central legislature, but the India Council remained in place.
• The Government of India Act 1935: This comprehensive Act made many changes and explicitly provided for the abolition of the Council of India.
• The Indian Independence Act 1947: This Act led to the partition of India and the granting of independence, rendering the need for a body like the India Council obsolete as British rule ended. The Council was effectively gone before this Act came into force due to the 1935 Act.

Therefore, the Act that formally abolished the India Council was the Government of India Act 1935.