- The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first step by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India.
- It established the post of Governor-General of Bengal, with Warren Hastings being the first to hold the position.
- It provided for a Supreme Court in Calcutta to administer justice.
- The Act aimed to curb the corruption and mismanagement of the East India Company.
- The Amending Act of 1781 clarified the powers and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and reduced conflicts with the Governor-General's council.
- The Pitt's India Act of 1784 introduced dual control by establishing the Board of Control in Britain and the Court of Directors in India.
- This Act distinguished between the company’s commercial and political functions.
- The Governor-General of Bengal was made the Governor-General of India in 1833.
- The Charter Act of 1813 ended the monopoly of the East India Company over trade in India, except for tea and opium.
- The Charter Act of 1833 centralized administration and marked the beginning of a unitary state in India.
- It also introduced the provision for a law commission to codify Indian laws.
- The Charter Act of 1853 was the last in the series and prepared the way for the Crown's rule in India.
- It introduced an open competition for the selection of civil servants.
- The Government of India Act of 1858 transferred control from the East India Company to the British Crown.
- This Act created the office of the Secretary of State for India, who was to be assisted by a Council of India.
- It abolished the dual system of governance and ensured direct control by the British Parliament.
- The Governor-General was redesignated as the Viceroy of India, with Lord Canning being the first Viceroy.
- These Acts marked the beginning of British centralized governance in India.
- The focus shifted from trade to direct administration and control of the Indian territories.
- The Regulating Acts laid the foundation for the modern Indian administrative system.