Indian Councils Act, 1861 – iTopper IAS Academy

Initiated the process of decentralization by restoring legislative powers to Bombay and Madras. (These powers were taken away through Charter Act 1833).
Introduced representative institutions in India by associating Indians with the law-making process.
Viceroy nominated some Indians as non-ofﬁcial members of his expanded council. Three Indians nominated were —the Raja of Banaras, the Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao.
It empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances during Emergency.
Empowered the Viceroy to frame the Rules of Business (the same power is given to the President of India under Art 77).
New legislative councils for Bengal, NWFP, Punjab
Statutory recognition to portfolio system( introduced by Lord Canning)