The first Legislative Council was formed under the Indian Councils Act 1892. The Lt. Governor recommended members from the recommendations of District Boards, municipalities, landlords and chambers of commerce. The Lt. Governor required the assent of the Viceroy of India to appoint the nominees. The council was entitled to discuss budgets and make suggestions to the government, but lacked voting powers. Most members of the council were Europeans, with a minority being native Indian subjects.[3]
Morley–Minto Reforms
The Indian Councils Act 1909, crafted by John Morley and Lord Minto, ushered partially elected legislative councils. The reforms increased the representation of native subjects. Land owners received the right to vote. Muslims were granted the right to a separate electorate, as part of affirmative action. The Legislative Council assembled for the purpose of making Laws and Regulations under the Provisions of the Indian Council Acts, 1861, 1892 and 1909. It advised the Executive Council of the Lt. Governor.[4][3]
Membership
The council included 41 members after the Morley-Minto Reforms. Its composition is illustrated in the following.[5]
East Bengal had the most seats on the council due to its large population. Colonial Assam, which covers the Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh; had 5 seats on the 41-member council due to its smaller population.
^Ilbert, Sir Courtenay Peregrine (1907). "Appendix II: Constitution of the Legislative Councils under the Regulations of November 1909", in The Government of India. Clarendon Press. pp. 432-5.
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