The law that transferred the government of India from the East India Company to the British Crown after the Revolt of 1857, ending Company rule and beginning direct Crown rule.
- Abolished the East India Company and transferred the powers of government, territories, and revenues to the British Crown.
- Created the office of the Secretary of State for India, a member of the British Cabinet, with full authority over Indian administration; he was assisted by a 15-member Council of India.
- Changed the designation of the Governor-General of India to the Viceroy, the direct representative of the Crown; Lord Canning was the first Viceroy.
- Abolished the Board of Control and the Court of Directors, ending the system of double government created by Pitt's India Act, 1784.
- Was accompanied by Queen Victoria's Proclamation of 1858, which promised non-interference in religion, equal treatment, and respect for the rights of Indian princes.
It is the direct constitutional consequence of the 1857 revolt (Crown rule, Secretary of State, Viceroy with Canning first) and a very high-frequency item.
The title "Viceroy" came with the 1858 Act (Canning first as Viceroy); before it, the Crown's role was indirect through the Company.
1858: ended Company rule; Crown rule begins; Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy (Canning first).