The Indian Council Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms or the Minto-Morley Reforms, was an important piece of legislation enacted by the British Parliament to introduce limited political reforms in British India. The act was named after the Secretary of State for India, John Morley, and the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, who were instrumental in its formulation. Here are the key provisions and implications of the Indian Council Act of 1909:

• Expansion of Legislative Councils: The act expanded the size and scope of the legislative councils in India. It introduced separate electorates for Muslims and increased the number of elected members in the councils. The elected members were chosen by limited electorates, which were based on property ownership, education, and official appointments. The act aimed to provide a platform for Indians to voice their opinions and participate in the legislative process.
• Communal Representation: One of the significant features of the act was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims. This provision was intended to address the demands of Muslim leaders who sought to protect their interests and ensure adequate representation in the legislative councils. It formalized the system of communal representation, which would have far-reaching consequences for Indian politics in the years to come.
• Limited Franchise: Although the act expanded the size of the legislative councils and introduced a limited form of elective representation, the franchise was still restricted. Only a small portion of the population, mainly the privileged and educated elite, was eligible to vote or hold office. The act did not provide for universal suffrage or full democratization of the political system.
• Separation of Functions: The act sought to separate the legislative and executive functions of the government. It established the principle of dual government, where the executive branch, consisting of British officials, retained significant control over the administration, while the legislative councils had limited powers to discuss and debate policies.
• Increase in Provincial Autonomy: The act granted more autonomy to the provincial governments. It allowed for the expansion of the legislative councils at the provincial level and increased their authority to enact laws and discuss matters of local importance. However, the provincial governments were still subordinate to the central government and lacked real decision-making powers.
• Significance and Criticisms: The Indian Council Act of 1909 was seen as a significant step towards limited political reforms in British India. It provided a platform for Indians to express their views, engage in legislative discussions, and gain some representation. However, it fell short of the Indian nationalist aspirations for full self-governance and failed to address the demand for greater Indian participation in decision-making processes.

The act was criticized by Indian nationalists who viewed it as a token gesture and a way to appease moderate voices without making substantial changes to the colonial system. Nevertheless, the Indian Council Act of 1909 marked an important development in India’s political evolution and set the stage for further demands for political reforms and eventual self-rule.