Charter Act of 1669 | UPSC Modern Indian History | political and Constitutional history of India

This post on UPSC Modern Indian History and Political and Constitutional History of India discusses the Charter Act 1669. 

Charter Act of 1669

Table of Contents

1. What is the Charter Act of 1669?
2. Grant of Port and Island Bombay to the East India Company
3. Delivery of possession of Bombay to the Company
4. Major outcomes of the Charter Act of 1669
5. Legislative Power of the Charter under the Chater Act of 1669
6. Punishments Under this Charter Act of 1669
7. Judicial Power under the Charter Act of 1669
8. Restrictions

In 1661, the Treaty of Alliance or the Marriage Treaty signed between King Charles II of England and the King of Portugal transferred the sovereignty over the Port and Island Bombay as Dowry Permanently to Britain. In this Treaty, the inhabitants were allowed to follow the Roman Catholic religion even after the Transfer. Thus, the Treaty conferred absolute Sovereignty to Britain in all aspects of the territory.

1. What is the Charter Act of 1669?

The Charter Act of 1669 Granted the East India Company Territorial Sovereignty of the Port and Island Bombay with the power to make laws and administer justice over the Inhabitants. It allowed the Company to recruit soldiers, and use ammunition present within the premises for the Good Governance and Safety of Bombay.

2. Grant of Port and Island Bombay to the East India Company

It was transferred to a rent of €10 annually. This charter gave the company territorial sovereignty over the region. It granted rights over territories, profits, royalties, rents, Customs, Castles, Forts, Buildings, Fortifications, Franchise, etc.., that are Present or belongs to the region.

3. Delivery of possession of Bombay to the Company

Under this Charter to take the possession of the Port and Island of Bombay 

• The Company was required send one or more ships with one or more Commissions, under the common seal

• On the arrival of any one of the ships, all the war ammunition and other things must be handed over to the appointed member of the Company

• Till the Delivery of Possession of the Port and Island of Bombay, all the expenses will be borne by the Crown

4. Major outcomes of the Charter Act of 1669

• It gave Company Absolute Sovereignty over the Port and Island Bombay

• This Charter allowed the Inhabitants to follow the Roman Catholic Religion according to the Treaty of Alliance that was already signed between Portugal and Britain.

• It allowed the use of war ammunition present on the Premises during the delivery of possession of the region to the Company

• It allowed the Company to recruit soldiers at its own cost for the purpose of protection but if the company thinks the soldier is not fit for recruitment or the soldier does not wish to serve the company, he must be returned to England through the ship at Company Cost.

• It gave legislative and judicial power to govern the Port and Island of Bombay

• The Company can appoint a governor, officers or ministers, Chief Factors or Other Factors, agents, etc.., for good administration of the region

• It can detain any person or use the force of arms on those who attempt to reside within the premises without a Special License or Cause annoyance to the Inhabitants

• For the Safety of the Port and Island of Bombay in case of Rebellion, Mutiny, Sedition, etc., the Company can exercise all kinds of power including Martial Law

5. Legislative Power under the Chater Act of 1669

Under this Charter, the Governor can appoint a Deputy Governor through the General Court Holden for the Company to do his functions in his absence. The Governor or his deputy can make

• Laws
• Orders
• Ordinances
• Constitutions

required for the company's Good Government and for the Protection of the inhabitants through the Court of Committees Holden for the Company

It can also

• Revoke
• Abrogate
• Change 

any of the Laws, orders, and constitution at their discretion, if it feels good for the Governance of  Bombay.

6. Punishments under this Charter Act of 1669

This Charter grants the power to punish offenders by

• Inflicting Pain
• Imposing Fine
• Imprisonment of Body
• Death

But those punishments should not be contrary to the Laws of England. The power to punish for heinous offenses was already provided under the Charter Act of 1661.

7. Judicial Power under the Charter Act of 1669

The Judges or the officers are appointed through the General Court or Court of Committees to 

• Award Process
• Hold Pleas
• Judge and determine all actions, suits, and causes

Of any kind or nature. It also provides authority to execute its judgement subject to the Laws of England.

8. Restrictions 

The Company cannot

• Sell
• Transfer
• Alienate
• Dispose

the whole or any part of the region to anybody

Related Topics 

1. Charter Act of 1600

2. Charter Act of 1661

3. Charter Act of 1677

4. Charter Act of 1683

5. Charter Act of 1683

MCQS

Which of the following Charter granted East India Company Monopoly Rights For the First Time

A. Charter Act of 1609

B. Charter Act of 1600

C. Charter Act of 1661

D. Charter Act of 1669

Ans: B

2. Which of the following charter allowed East India Company to punish persons for heinous offenses

A. Charter Act of 1609

B. Charter Act of 1600

C. Charter Act of 1661

D. Charter Act of 1669

Ans: C

3. Which of the following charter pardoned offences of East India Company

A. Charter Act of 1609

B. Charter Act of 1600

C. Charter Act of 1661

D. Charter Act of 1677

Ans: D

4. Which of the following charter extended the Monopoly rights of East India Company infinitely

A. Charter Act of 1609

B. Charter Act of 1600

C. Charter Act of 1661

D. Charter Act of 1669

Ans: A

FAQS

What was The Charter Act of 1609?

The Charter Act of 1609 extended the Monopoly Rights Indefinitely by James I, but subject to the Condition that it does not cause any injury to the Nation, and the same will be determined through three year Notice.

What was The Charter Act of Queen Elizabeth 1600?

It Was a royal Charter Granted Monopoly rights to trade in Asia, Africa, and America to the East India Company with the Condition to prove its Profitability to the Crown

What was Purpose of the Charter Acts?

The Charter Acts were provided to East India Company to regulate the Company and its Constituion, provide trade rights and Special Previledges, safeguard against Competition, etc.,

Who Granted The Charter Act of 1661?

King Charles II to Granted the Charter Act of 1661 to Increase the Legislative and Judicial Power the East India Company due to increased crimes within the settlements of the Company