A brief description of military, police and judicial administration of India in the British empire is given below:

1. Military Administration: The military was one of the most important part of the British administration. It gave a great contribution in establishing and spreading the British empire in India. In 1856, there were 2,33,000 Indians and 45,300 European soldiers in the British military. Indian soldiers were given very less wages and incentives as compared to the British soldiers. Highest rank for Indians in military was the subedar. Indian soldiers were badly treated by the British officers. That’s why Indian soldiers revolted against the British in 1857 A.D.

It became necessary to reorganize the military after the great revolt of 1857 A.D. the British didn’t want that soldiers would again go for revolt.

So the following changes were brought in Indian military while keeping in mind these things :

• The number of British soldiers were increased.
• Only the British to be appointed in Artillery.
• Indians and Europeans in the military of Madras and Bombay were kept in the ratio of 2:1.
• European troops were kept at all the important places from a geographical and military point of view.
• Now the British started recruiting people of different religions and castes in one regiment of soldiers so that people of other religion should remain ready to kill people of one religion in case of any rebellion.
• Soldiers of Awadh, Bihar and Central India took part in the revolt of 1857 A.D. Now their numbers in the military was reduced and number of Gorkhas, Sikhs and Pathan soldiers was increased.

2. Police: Lord Cornwallis gave a new look to the police system to establish law, order and peace in the empire. He appointed one Police Superintendent in each district. Each district was further divided in divisions and ancient division system was given a new look. Every division was kept under one Daroga or inspector. Function of police in villages was being done by Chowkidars. Indians were not being given higher posts in police department. Their salary was also very low as compared to the British. They were badly treated by Britishers as well.

3. Judicial System: The British established important judicial system in India. Its main feature was written laws.

• Warren Hastings established Revenue and Criminal Courts in each district.
• According to Regulating Act of 1773, A Supreme Court was established in Calcutta. Lord Cornwallis prepared a book called Cornwallis code to give directions to judges.
• Lord William Bentick started jury system in Bengal in 1832 A.D.
• In 1833 A.D. the Indian Law Commission was appointed which completely reorganized the whole judicial system. Right of making laws was given to Governor-General through Charter Act.
• Common legal system was introduced in the whole of the country. According to this, all the Indians were considered as equal in front of law without any discrimination.

Even after this, discrimination against Indians was there and they were deprived of some specific rights. For example, Indian judges were not allowed to hear the cases of Europeans. Lord Rippen, in 1883 A.D. tried to give this right to Indian judges but remained unsuccessful.