The Regulating Act of 1773 marked a significant turning point in the development of the Indian judiciary under British rule. Here are the key impacts of the Act:

1. Establishment of a Supreme Court: The Act established the Supreme Court of Judicature at Calcutta, which was the first formal court set up by the British in India. This introduced a structured judicial authority, providing a platform for the resolution of civil and criminal cases.
2. Centralization of Judicial Authority: By creating a Supreme Court, the Act centralized judicial authority in a single institution, reducing the power of local courts and traditional systems. This shift diminished the role of indigenous legal practices and local dispute resolution mechanisms.
3. Codification of Laws: Although the Act itself did not codify laws, it set the stage for subsequent legal reforms. The establishment of a formal judiciary necessitated the codification of laws, leading to a more organized legal framework in India.
4. Separation of Powers: The Regulating Act aimed to establish a clearer separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. While the British East India Company retained executive control, the Supreme Court had distinct judicial authority, which was a step toward a more organized governance structure.
5. Impact on Legal Practices: The introduction of the British legal system brought Western legal concepts, procedures, and practices to India. This formalization often conflicted with existing local customs, leading to a transformation in legal practices.
6. Role of British Judges: The Supreme Court was staffed by British judges who were often unfamiliar with Indian customs and laws. This created a disconnect between the judiciary and the local population, which sometimes resulted in decisions that did not resonate with traditional values.
7. Appeals and Jurisdiction: The Act allowed for appeals from the decisions of the company’s courts to the Supreme Court. This created a hierarchical judicial system, establishing precedence and consistency in legal interpretations.
8. Legal Representation: The formation of the Supreme Court necessitated the development of a legal profession in India. This led to the emergence of lawyers and legal practitioners who were trained in British law, further shaping the judiciary’s evolution.
9. Foundation for Future Reforms: The establishment of the Supreme Court and the changes it brought about laid the groundwork for subsequent judicial reforms in India, including the creation of High Courts and the eventual establishment of a more extensive legal framework.
10. Resistance and Adaptation: The changes introduced by the Regulating Act faced resistance from local populations and leaders. Over time, there was an adaptation of certain aspects of the British judicial system to incorporate traditional practices, particularly in personal law.

In summary, the Regulating Act of 1773 significantly impacted the Indian judiciary by establishing a formal, centralized judicial authority that introduced Western legal principles and practices. This laid the foundation for the evolution of a structured legal system in India, with lasting implications for the administration of justice.