A detailed analysis of the Government of India Act, 1935, discussing its federal structure, key provisions, provincial autonomy, and its significant impact on India's path to independence.

Introduction and Main Features of the Government of India Act, 1935

• 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.

Federal Level: Executive under the Government of India Act, 1935

• 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.

Legislature under the Government of India Act, 1935

• 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.

Provincial Autonomy under the Government of India Act, 1935

• Autonomy: Replaced dyarchy with autonomy, granting provinces legal identity and independent financial powers.
• Governor's Role: Crown's nominee with special powers over minorities, law and order, and British business interests.
• Provincial Legislature: Members directly elected, extended franchise, and ministers answerable to the legislature.
• Governor's Powers: Refuse assent to bills, promulgate ordinances, enact governor's Acts, and take over administration.

Evaluation of the Government of India Act, 1935

• Safeguards and Responsibilities: Extensive powers of the governor-general and governors hindered the Act's proper functioning.
• Electoral System: Communal and class electorates extended, fostering separatist tendencies, leading to India's partition.
• Rigid Constitution: No possibility for internal growth; amendment rights reserved for the British Parliament.

Long-Term British Strategy: Impact of the Government of India Act, 1935

• Divide and Rule: Suppression followed by reforms aimed to weaken the national movement and integrate segments into the colonial structure.
• Reforms and Repression: Reforms were used to placate the right wing, while the radical leftists were crushed through police measures.
• Provincial Autonomy: Intended to create autonomous provincial leaders, weakening the central Congress leadership.

Nationalists' Response to the Government of India Act, 1935

• 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.