With reference to the evolution of judicial and police administration under British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Cornwallis Code of 1793 strictly separated judicial administration from revenue collection, divesting the District Collector of magisterial and judicial powers.
2. Lord William Bentinck established the four Provincial Courts of Appeal and Circuit at Calcutta, Murshidabad, Dacca, and Patna to expedite rural criminal justice.
3. The police reform introduced by Lord Cornwallis organized districts into circles (thanas), each headed by a native officer known as a Daroga under the supervision of the District Magistrate.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
- C2 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Under the Cornwallis Code of 1793, judicial functions were separated from revenue administration to prevent concentration of power in the hands of the Collector. Cornwallis also introduced the Daroga system for police administration. However, statement 2 is incorrect because the Provincial Courts of Appeal and Circuit were established by Lord Cornwallis in 1790/1793 and were later abolished by Lord William Bentinck in 1829.
Statements 1 and 3 are factually correct. The Cornwallis Code (1793) established the principle of separation of powers by separating judicial administration from revenue collection, leaving Collectors strictly with revenue duties. Additionally, Cornwallis organized the police system into circles (thanas) managed by Darogas under District Magistrates. Statement 2 is incorrect because Lord Cornwallis—not Lord William Bentinck—established the four Provincial Courts of Appeal and Circuit; Bentinck abolished these courts in 1829.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Administrative and Judicial Reforms under Cornwallis and Bentinck