The Act of Settlement, 1781, was enacted to correct what major flaw of the Regulating Act?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Ambiguity regarding jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Explanation:
☛ The Act of Settlement, 1781 (also known as the Declaratory Act of 1781) was passed by the British Parliament to rectify the defects of the Regulating Act of 1773.
☛ The primary flaw of the Regulating Act of 1773 was the ambiguity regarding the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court at Calcutta, which led to frequent clashes between the Court and the Governor-General-in-Council.
☛ This Act exempted the Governor-General and Council from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for acts done in their official capacity.
☛ It also excluded revenue matters and the collection of revenue from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
☛ The Act mandated that the Supreme Court administer personal law—Hindu law for Hindus and Mohammedan law for Muslims.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ The Regulating Act of 1773 established the Supreme Court at Fort William, Calcutta, which began functioning in 1774.
☛ The conflicts between Governor-General Warren Hastings and Chief Justice Sir Elijah Impey prompted the British Parliament to pass this remedial legislation.
☛ Appeals from the Provincial Courts were directed to the Governor-General-in-Council, not to the Supreme Court.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Under which Act was the Supreme Court established at Calcutta? → Regulating Act of 1773
☛ Who was appointed as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at Calcutta? → Sir Elijah Impey
☛ What is another name for the Act of Settlement, 1781? → Declaratory Act of 1781
☛ Who was the Governor-General of Bengal when the Act of Settlement was passed? → Warren Hastings
☛ Which subsequent Act created the Board of Control to manage political affairs? → Pitt's India Act of 1784