Which among the following Acts provided for the establishment of a Supreme Court of Justice at Calcutta for Europeans, their employees and the citizens of India ?

The correct answer is The Regulating Act of 1773.

Key Points

• The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first significant step taken by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India.
• This Act led to the establishment of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Calcutta in 1774.
• The court had jurisdiction over British subjects in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, including employees of the East India Company and Indians associated with them.
• The Supreme Court consisted of a Chief Justice and three other judges, marking the beginning of a structured judiciary in India.
• This Act also laid the foundation for a centralized administrative system in British India.

Additional Information

• Supreme Court of Judicature (1774):
  • Located in Calcutta, it was the first Supreme Court in India, established by the British government.
  • Its establishment was aimed at ensuring justice and addressing the misconduct of East India Company officials.
• Regulating Act of 1773:
  • It marked the beginning of British parliamentary control over the administration of East India Company territories in India.
  • It also created the position of the Governor-General of Bengal, with Warren Hastings being the first to hold this office.
• Charter Acts:
  • The Charter Acts of 1793, 1813, and later years focused on renewing the Company's charter and introducing reforms.
  • They did not establish any judicial systems similar to the Supreme Court of Judicature in 1774.
• Government of India Act 1858:
  • This Act abolished the East India Company and brought Indian territories directly under the British Crown.
  • It did not deal with the establishment of courts but focused on transferring administrative control.