Under which Act was a Law Commission first established in India to codify and consolidate Indian laws?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Charter Act, 1833.
The Charter Act of 1833 paved the way for the establishment of the First Law Commission in India in 1834. It was chaired by Lord Macaulay, with the primary mandate to codify and consolidate Indian laws to ensure uniformity in the legal system. This commission played a monumental role in drafting the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other major legal frameworks. The Act transformed the Governor-General of Bengal into the Governor-General of India, centralizing legislative power.
Other Options:
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Government of India Act, 1858: Transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown following the 1857 revolt.
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Indian Councils Act, 1861: Introduced the portfolio system and allowed Indians to be associated with the law-making process.
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Regulating Act, 1773: The first step by the British government to regulate the East India Company, establishing the Supreme Court at Calcutta.