Which of the following acts empowered the Governor-General of India to issue ordinances having the force of law during emergencies without legislative concurrence?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 empowered the Governor-General to issue executive ordinances with the force of law during emergencies without requiring legislative council concurrence for a duration of six months. Later acts expanded legislative powers or introduced indirect elections, but the emergency ordinance mechanism originated in this statute. This legislative tool was frequently utilized by the colonial administration to bypass popular opposition.