Which of the following statements relating to the Indian Councils Act, 1861 is/are correct? 1. The Act introduced a grain of popular element by including non-official members in the Governor-General’s Executive Council. 2. The members were nominated and their functions were confined exclusively to consideration of legislative proposals placed before it by the Governor-General. 3. The Governor-General did not have effective legislative power. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 introduced a 'grain of popular element' by expanding the Governor-General's Council for legislative purposes to include non-official members [1]. These members, who could be Indians or English, were nominated by the Governor-General [1]. Their functions were strictly limited to the consideration of legislative proposals placed before them; they had no power to discuss executive actions, financial matters, or the budget without prior approval [2]. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Governor-General retained effective and overriding legislative power. He could veto any bill, and his prior sanction was required for specific legislation [2]. Furthermore, the Governor-General was empowered to issue ordinances during emergencies, which had the force of law for six months, ensuring his legislative supremacy remained intact despite the creation of the Imperial Legislative Council.

Sources

1. [1] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 9: Administrative Changes After 1858 > Administration > p. 152
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Indian Councils Act, 1861 > p. 508