RAS question
The Regulating Act of 1773 established the Supreme Court at:
Correct answer: (B) Calcutta.
The Regulating Act of 1773 established the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Calcutta.
Explanation
The Regulating Act of 1773 was Parliament's first major intervention in the East India Company's administration in India. It provided for a Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Calcutta, consisting of a Chief Justice and three other judges. The court was established in 1774. Sir Elijah Impey was its first Chief Justice. Its jurisdiction extended to all British subjects residing in Bengal and their native servants. Calcutta is therefore the correct answer. The 1862 reference for Bombay and Madras concerns their High Courts established under letters patent, not this Supreme Court under the Regulating Act.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Delhi is incorrect because the Regulating Act provided for the Supreme Court at Fort William in Bengal, or Calcutta, not Delhi.
- (C) Bombay is incorrect because, in this context, 1862 refers to its later High Court established under letters patent, not the Supreme Court created by the Regulating Act of 1773.
- (D) Madras is incorrect for the same reason: its 1862 reference concerns the later High Court established under letters patent, whereas the 1773 Act established the Supreme Court at Calcutta.
Concept
This question tests understanding of early constitutional and administrative reforms in British India, especially Parliament's first attempt to regulate Company rule. RAS often asks about this area because the Regulating Act of 1773 links the Governor-General and Council, Bengal Presidency administration, and the judicial structure.