The Indian Councils Act of 1909 was passed to reform legislative councils. It followed Bengal’s partition protests and rising demands for Indian self-government.

BulletsIn

• Updated Indian Councils Acts of 1861 and 1892
• Sought to include more Indians in administration
•  Introduced electoral principle for councils
•  Expanded central and provincial legislative councils
• Members chosen through indirect elections
• Separate electorates created for Muslims
•  Legalised communal representation in politics
• Allowed discussion on budgets and public issues
•  Barred debates on foreign and princely affairs
• First Indian, Satyendra P. Sinha, joined Viceroy’s Council