Question

Warren Hastings established civil and criminal courts in
1. Calcutta
2. Bengal
3. Every district
4. Every village

Answer 1

Hint:
In 1772, Warren Hastings went on to lay the foundation of the Adalat system in India.
Under this plan the territory of Bengal, Orissa and Bihar were divided into multiple districts.


Complete answer:
From ancient India to Mughal India, the Judicial System neither adopted proper procedures nor had the proper organisation of the law court. Among the Hindus, the process of litigation was served either by the elder of the caste or village Panchayats or Zamindars whereas among the Muslims, Qazi supervises such issues. But if still there was a discrepancy, then people resorted to the Rajas and Badshahs, who were considered as the chief of the justice.
The beginning of the organised law structure in India is traced back to 1726 when a Mayor’s Court was established by the East India Company in Madras, Bombay and Calcutta. This showed the Company's transformation from a trading company to a ruling power with the added flavour of new elements of the Judiciary.
Reforms under Warren Hastings (1772-1785 AD)
In 1772, Warren Hastings introduced a scheme of judicial administration alongside a system of revenue administration which went on to lay the foundation of the Adalat system in India.
Under this plan the territory of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa were divided into multiple districts and in each district, an English servant of company was appointed as the collector who was responsible for collection of revenue alongside having judicial powers.
Two courts were established by Warren Hastings, for resolving disputes: District Diwani Adalat for civil disputes and District Fauzdari Adalats for criminal disputes.
District Diwani Adalat: Established in each district to resolve the civil disputes and was placed under the collector. District’s collector used to act as the judge of this court and works in assistance with the native law officers such as the Kazis and Pundits. In this court, there were separate laws for Hindus and Muslims. If people were not satisfied with the justice done then they can move to” Sadar Diwani Adalat”, which was headed by the governor and his council, and was located in the presidency town of Calcutta.

District Fauzdari Adalats: Established to resolve the criminal disputes and were placed under an Indian officer. Qazi and Muftis assist the officer. Collector used to administer the entire functioning of this court. In this court, Muslim laws were followed. But the approval of capital punishment and for the acquisition was given by the “Sadar Nizamat Adalat” which was headed by a Deputy Nizam who was assisted by the chief Qazi and Chief Mufti.

Therefore the answer is 3. Every district




Note:
Although, the plan of 1772 was appraised for its efficiency which was a creditable achievement for Warren Hastings, but still it had certain defects which are as follows:
Insufficient number of courts at village level
Too much power got concentrated in the hands of collector