Indian Councils Act of 1909

The Indian Councils Act of 1909, commonly known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, is a critical chapter in Indian history. It is named after Lord Morley (the Secretary of State for India) and Lord Minto (the Viceroy of India).

While it increased Indian participation in governance, it is most famous—and controversial—for introducing communal electorates.

### 1. Background: Why was it passed?

  • Rise of Extremism: The British wanted to appease the "Moderates" in the Indian National Congress after the backlash of the Partition of Bengal (1905).

  • Simla Deputation (1906): A group of Muslim leaders led by the Aga Khan met Lord Minto to demand separate electorates for Muslims.

  • Divide and Rule: The British aimed to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims to weaken the growing nationalist movement.

### 2. Key Features

The Act significantly expanded the size and functions of the legislative councils:

  • Expansion of Councils: The number of members in the Central Legislative Council was increased from 16 to 60.

  • Separate Electorates: This was the most impactful feature. It introduced a system where Muslim members would be elected only by Muslim voters.

    • This "legalized communalism," and Lord Minto became known as the "Father of Communal Electorate."

  • First Indian in Executive Council: For the first time, an Indian was appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council.

    • Satyendra Prasad Sinha was appointed as the Law Member.

  • Increased Deliberative Powers: Members were now allowed to:

    • Ask supplementary questions.

    • Move resolutions on the Budget (though they could not yet vote on the whole budget).

  • Non-Official Majority in Provinces: While the Central Council maintained an official (British) majority, the Provincial Councils were allowed to have a non-official majority.

### 3. Significance for UPSC & APSC

  1. Communal Politics: It sowed the seeds of separatism that eventually led to the partition of India in 1947.

  2. Shadow of Democracy: It introduced the "election" principle, but the franchise (right to vote) was extremely limited and based on property, education, or religion.

  3. Moderates' Disappointment: The reforms did not grant "Swaraj" or "Colonial Self-Government," which the Congress had hoped for. Lord Morley himself stated that these reforms were not intended to lead to a parliamentary system.

### 4. Quick Revision Table

FeatureDetails
Common NameMorley-Minto Reforms
Separate ElectorateIntroduced for Muslims (Communal Representation)
First Indian in Exec. CouncilSatyendra Prasad Sinha (Law Member)
Central Council SizeIncreased from 16 to 60
Budgetary PowerCould move resolutions and ask supplementary questions

Critical Quote for Ethics/Mains

"The seeds we are sowing today will yield a bitter harvest," wrote Lord Morley to Lord Minto regarding separate electorates. This turned out to be true for Indian unity.

MCQ Test

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