The said Act vested for the first time legislative power in a single authority, namely the Governor General in Council.

After the commencement of the Government of India Act 1919 the legislative power was exercised by the Indian Legislature constituted thereunder.

In addition, it is also entrusted with the task of dealing with certain matters relating to List III of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution like personal law, contracts evidence, etc.

The Allocation of Business Rules identify the following functions to be carried out by this Department:[5] The Department of Justice performs the administrative functions in relation to the appointment of various judges at various courts in India, maintenance and revision of the conditions and rules of service of the judges and other related areas.

The CBDT is a statutory authority functioning under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.It is India's official FATF unit.