Separate electorates for Muslims in India were introduced by which one of the following Acts ?

Separate electorates for Muslims were introduced by the Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms [4]. This landmark provision allowed Muslim voters to elect their own representatives to the legislative councils, effectively recognizing a separate constitutional identity for the community [1]. The act provided for eight reserved seats for Muslims in the Imperial Legislative Council and specific allocations in provincial councils like Madras, Bombay, and Bengal [1]. This system of communal representation was a significant departure from previous acts, such as the Indian Councils Act of 1892, which did not include such provisions [2]. Lord Minto, the then Viceroy, is often referred to as the 'Father of Communal Electorate' because of this policy, which critics argue sowed the seeds of separatism that eventually contributed to the partition of India [3].

Sources

1. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > The Reforms > p. 277
2. [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Councils_Act_1909
3. [1] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Communalism in Nationalist Politics > Objectives of All India Muslim League > p. 76
4. [3] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 1: THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND > Utility of a Historical Retrospect. > p. 4