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But, as has been already stated, it obtained permission,
or assumed the right to frame and administer its own
laws; and exercised its functions under Charters
obtained from the Crown of England, which seems
to have considered itself in a position to control the
Company in its judicial arrangements from an early
period. The Charter of 1601 empowered the
Governor and Company to frame laws for its good
government, and for the advancement and continuance
of its trade, and to enforce them by penal provisions.
The Charter of 1609 renewed these powers subject to
the condition that the laws and penalties imposed
should be reasonable and in harmony with the law of
England. The Charters of 1661 and 1669, relating to
the cession of the Island of Bombay, contained
similar provisions. In 1683 a Charter of Charles II.
authorized the establishment of Courts of Judicature
at such places as the Company might appoint. In
1726 Mayors’ Courts were established for the settlements
 at Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay, for the trial
of civil causes. These courts were composed of a
Mayor and nine Aldermen, seven of whom were
required to be European British subjects. From these
courts an appeal lay, in cases the value of which was
under Rs. 4,000, to the Governorand Council; and
in higher cases, to the Privy Council. The government
 court also had powers in criminal matters,
The constitution of these courts was amended in
1753, when Courts of Request were also established
for petty cases up to Rs, 20. The chief feature