British Regulating Act

( 1773 ) Commentary by Samantha Christiansen, Northeastern University

“To prevent … various [frauds] Abuses, [and Oppressions] … , as well at home as in India, … it is therefore become highly expedient that certain further Regulations, better adapted to their present Circumstances and Condition, should be provided.” - Paragraph 1
“And for the better Management of the said United Company’s Affairs in India, Be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That [from and after] [for] the Government [or] [of the] Presidency of [Fort William in] Bengal, [there] shall [consist of] [be appointed] a Governor General, and [Four] Councillors.” - Paragraph 3
“That it shall and may be lawful for His Majesty, by Charter, or Letters Patents under the Great Seal of Great Britain, to erect and establish a Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William.” - Paragraph 6
“It shall not be lawful for any Person or Persons whatsoever, who shall have been dismissed from, or shall have voluntarily resigned, the Service of said United Company … from thenceforth to carry on, or be in any wise concerned in any Trade, Traffick, Merchandize, or Commerce whatsoever, in the East Indies, … without the Licence of the said United Company.” - Paragraph 8
“And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the Governor General and Council for the Time being of the said United Company’s Settlement at Fort William aforesaid, and the Chief Justice and other Judges of the said Supreme Court of Judicature, shall and may, and they are hereby respectively declared to be and to have full Power and Authority to act as Justices of the Peace for the said Settlement.” - Paragraph 10

"Banks of the Ganges" by William Daniell (Yale Center for British Art)

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British Regulating Act

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