Q. Which of the following Acts formally introduced the principle of elections for the first time?
(a) The Indian Councils Act, 1909
(b) Government of India Act, 1919
(c) The 1935 Act
(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Ans: (a) The Indian Councils Act, 1909
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) The Indian Councils Act, 1909.
The Indian Councils Act, 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced the principle of elections for the first time in India. The Act expanded the legislative councils and allowed for the election of some members.
Under the Indian Councils Act, 1909, a limited form of indirect elections was introduced. It provided for the election of a portion of the members of the legislative councils, both at the central and provincial levels. However, the majority of the members in these councils were still appointed rather than elected.
The Act was a significant step towards introducing a representative element in the legislative process in India. It laid the foundation for future electoral reforms and marked a shift towards a more inclusive and participatory political system.
