Reforms under Cornwallis (1786-1793)—

Separation of Powers

● The District Fauzdari Courts were abolished and,

instead, circuit courts were established at Calcutta, Dacca,

Murshidabad and Patna. These circuit courts had European

judges and were to act as courts of appeal for both civil and

criminal cases. ● The Sadar Nizamat Adalat was shifted to Calcutta and

was put under the governor-general and members of the

Supreme Council assisted by the chief qazi and the chief

mufti.

● The District Diwani Adalat was now designated as the

District, City or the Zila Court and placed under a district

judge. The collector was now responsible only for the

revenue administration with no magisterial functions.

● A gradation of civil courts was established (for both

Hindu and Muslim laws)—

(i) Munsiff’s Court under Indian officers,

(ii) Registrar’s Court under a European judge,

(iii) District Court under the district judge,

(iv) Four Circuit Courts as provincial courts of appeal,

(v) Sadar Diwani Adalat at Calcutta, and

(vi) King-in-Council for appeals of 5000 pounds and

above.

● The Cornwallis Code was laid out—

— There was a separation of revenue and justice

administration.

— European subjects were also brought under

jurisdiction.

— Government officials were answerable to the civil

courts for actions done in their official capacity.

— The principle of sovereignty of law was established.