Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : The Indian Council Act of 1861 enlarged the Governer-General's Council for the purpose of making laws, thus, it was known as Imperial Legislative Council.
Reason (R): The Imperial Legislative Council was merely an advisory body.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b). Both statements are true, but the advisory nature of the council is not the reason it was 'enlarged'. It was enlarged to introduce non-official Indian members into the legislative process.
Information Booster

• The 1861 Act introduced the Portfolio System for the Viceroy's Executive Council.
• It allowed for 6 to 12 additional members to be nominated for legislative purposes.
• The legislative powers were limited; the Council could not discuss finances or administrative matters.
• The Viceroy held absolute veto power over any law passed by the council.
• This Act marked the beginning of representative institutions in India.

• Advisory Body: The council had no real control over the executive; its primary function was to register the will of the government.
• Non-official members: Included Indians like the Raja of Benares and the Maharaja of Patiala.