The Government of India Act of 1935 was the most comprehensive constitutional reform introduced by the British in India before independence. It was based on the recommendations of the Simon Commission (1927), discussions at the Round Table Conferences (1930–32), and the White Paper of 1933.
Background
-
Failure of earlier reforms like the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) to satisfy nationalist aspirations.
-
Rising demands for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) after 1929.
-
Growing political movements such as the Civil Disobedience Movement increased pressure on the British to introduce reforms.
-
British desire to create a federal structure and appease different communities while maintaining control.
Main Features of the Act
-
Provincial Autonomy:
-
Dyarchy was abolished in provinces.
-
Provincial legislatures and ministries were responsible to elected assemblies.
-
-
Federal Government:
-
A federation was proposed including British Indian provinces and princely states.
-
The federation could not come into effect as princely states did not join.
-
-
Bicameral Federal Legislature:
-
Federal Assembly (Lower House) and Council of States (Upper House).
-
-
Division of Powers:
-
Three lists: Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent.
-
-
Franchise Expansion:
-
About 10% of the Indian population got the right to vote.
-
-
Separate Electorates:
-
Extended to minorities like Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and even women.
-
-
All India Federation Judiciary:
-
Federal Court was established in 1937.
-
-
Governor-General’s Powers:
-
Retained extensive powers including control over defense, external affairs, and emergency powers.
-
Limitations
-
Federation never materialized due to the non-participation of princely states.
-
Franchise was limited and based on property, tax, and education qualifications.
-
Governors and Governor-General still had overriding powers, undermining real autonomy.
-
Failed to satisfy Indian nationalists who sought complete independence.
Significance
-
Provided the basis for provincial elections of 1937, which brought Congress ministries to power in several provinces.
-
First time that provinces experienced responsible government.
-
Many features were later adopted in the Constitution of Independent India (1950), such as federal structure, division of powers, and bicameral legislature.
-
However, it also highlighted the inadequacy of reforms under colonial rule, strengthening the demand for full independence.
Key Takeaway
The Government of India Act (1935) was the largest and last major constitutional experiment by the British, introducing provincial autonomy and federal proposals. While it fell short of nationalist expectations, it laid down the constitutional framework that influenced the structure of independent India’s governance.