In 1910, he was nominated to the Imperial Legislative Council of India representing the Muslims of Madras Presidency.

In 1916 he was re-nominated to the Madras Legislative Council and served a second term lasting from 1916 to 1919.

He was the principal nobleman and the chief representative of Muslims in Madras Presidency.

Ghulam Muhammad Ali Khan died in 1952 and was buried with full state honours.

He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire on 1 January 1909.