Comprehensive analysis of the Government of India Act, 1935, detailing its introduction, key features, federal structure, provincial autonomy, and the British strategy behind it. Includes insights into nationalist responses and the Act's impact on India's political evolution.
Act of 1935: Passed by the British Parliament in August 1935, based on discussions from the Third Round Table Conference.
An All India Federation: Proposed to include British Indian provinces, chief commissioner’s provinces, and princely states. Never came into effect due to unfulfilled conditions.
Governance Continuation: The central government continued under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919, until 1946.
Governor-General: Central figure of the Constitution, with reserved and transferred subjects.
Reserved Subjects: Foreign affairs, defense, tribal areas, and ecclesiastical affairs, administered by the governor-general without legislative responsibility.
Transferred Subjects: Administered by ministers elected by the legislature, responsible to the federal legislature.
Governor-General's Special Powers: Individual judgment on security and tranquility matters.
Bicameral Legislature: Consisted of the Council of States (upper house) and Federal Assembly (lower house).
Council of States: 260 members, partly directly elected, partly nominated by princes.
Federal Assembly: 375 members, partly indirectly elected, partly nominated by princes.
Legislative Powers: Federal, provincial, and concurrent lists for legislation. Odd election method: Council of States direct, Federal Assembly indirect.
Governor-General's Powers: Residuary powers to restore grants, certify bills, issue ordinances, and exercise veto.
Rejection of the Act: Unanimous condemnation by Congress and most nationalist leaders, demanding instead a Constituent Assembly.
Critical Views: Jawaharlal Nehru described the Act as "a car, all brakes and no engine," highlighting its restrictive nature.
Limited Support: The Hindu Mahasabha and National Liberal Foundation supported the working of the Act.
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