1g

The territories under the Government of Bengal
were to be divided into two presidencies, namely,
those of Fort William and Agra. The executive
government at the various presidencies was to be
vested in a Governor and three councillors, to be
styled the Governor in Council of the presidencies of
Fort William in Bengal, Fort Saint George (Madras),
 Bombay, and Agra respectively. These Governments
 were to be subordinate to the Government
 of India. The Crown reserved the power of
removing or dismissing any officer, civil or military,
of the Company ; the same power being left to the
Company also. The Board of Commissioners for
the affairs of India and the Secret Committee
of Directors were retained as a check upon the executive
 government of India.
This statute further required the Indian Government
 to frame laws and regulations for the
protection of natives in their persons, opinions, and
religions ; the service of the Company was thrown
open to British subjects, European or Native, without
 distinction of creed, place of birth, descent or
colour; and instructions were given for the immediate
 mitigation and amelioration of the state and
condition of slaves, and for the extinction of slavery,
as soon as practicable. This statute was to remain
in force until 1854, and accordingly in 1853 a further
Statute 16 and 17 Victoria, cap. 95, was passed,
continuing the Government in its existing form
until Parliament might otherwise provide. The