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    Simon Commission and Nehru Report 1928: Constitutional Developments in Colonial India

    Explore the objectives, responses, and lasting impact of the Simon Commission and Nehru Report (1928) on India’s constitutional journey.

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    Objectives

    • The British government established the Simon Commission to review the Government of India Act of 1919 and suggest further reforms.
    • It aimed to foster communal divisions to destabilize India's social unity.
    • The commission intended to delay the transfer of governance powers to Indians.
    • It aimed to encourage regional movements to weaken national movements.

    Impacts

    • Simon Commission mobilized a new generation of young people into political action.
    • Radical forces demanded total independence and extensive socio-economic reforms.
    • Political parties unified in response to Lord Birkenhead's challenge to create a mutually agreed constitution.
    • The Commission's report led to the promise of dominion status for India and the Government of India Act 1935, which influenced the current Indian Constitution.
    • The first provincial elections were held in 1937, resulting in Congress-led governments in most provinces.
    • The Simon Commission arrival invigorated the Indian independence movement.

    National Response to Simon Commission

    Group

    Key Response

    Congress

    Resolution to boycott the commission at every stage and form during the Madras session in December 1927; Declaration of complete independence as Congress's goal.

    Other Groups

    Hindu Mahasabha liberals, Jinnah-led Muslim League faction supported Congress's boycott call; Muslim League held two sessions, one opposing and one supporting the commission; Punjab Unionists, Justice Party chose not to boycott.

    Public

    Nationwide hartal on the commission's arrival in Bombay on February 3, 1928; Black flag protests, hartals, 'Simon Go Back' chants; Lala Lajpat Rai led a protest in Lahore, was injured by lathi-charge, later died; Dr. B.R Ambedkar submitted a report on the education of oppressed classes.

    Criticism of Simon Commission’s Composition

    • The entirely British composition of the Commission was seen as a slight to Indian nationalism, leading to a boycott by the Indian National Congress.
    • The British government justified the Commission's composition by stating that it had to report to the British Parliament.
    • This argument was contested due to the existence of Indian members in the British Parliament.
    • The British government claimed that the lack of unanimous Indian opinion on constitutional development made it impossible to appoint an Indian member to the Commission.

    Nehru Report and Dominion Status Demand 1928

    • The Nehru Report of 1928 was prepared under the leadership of Pt. Motilal Nehru, in response to a request from Lord Birkenhead, India's Secretary of State, for Indian leaders to draft a constitution for the nation. 
    • The report was thoroughly discussed by Congress and advocated for the conferment of Dominion Status upon India. 
    • Its main objective was to secure dominion status for India within the British Commonwealth.

    Nehru Report Key Features

    • Dominion status: Dominion status for India within the British Commonwealth, with a parliamentary system of government.
    • Fundamental Rights: The report advocated for the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and equality before the law.
    • Provincial Autonomy: It proposed a federal structure with substantial autonomy for the provinces, allowing them to govern their internal affairs.
    • Representation and Franchise: The report recommended universal adult suffrage, without any discrimination based on gender, religion, or property ownership.
    • Minority Safeguards: It included provisions for protecting the rights of religious and linguistic minorities, and preserving their cultural and educational interests.

    Nehru Report and the Muslim League’s Dissent

    Muslim League’s Response

    • The Muslim League, led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, largely rejected the Nehru Report.
    • In 1929, Jinnah put forth his Fourteen Points as core demands for the Muslim community's engagement in an independent united India.
    • One major concern was the Nehru Report's dismissal of separate electorates and weightage for Muslims, which was previously granted in the 1916 Lucknow Pact between the Congress and the Muslim League.
    • Contrary to the Nehru Report, the Muslim League demanded that residuary powers be delegated to the provinces. The Muslim League criticized the Committee for adopting a policy they believed jeopardized the political future of Muslims.
    • Jinnah’s Fourteen Points emerged as a pivotal document for the Muslim League’s stance.

    Indian Response

    • The Nehru Report was widely accepted by Indian political parties and marked a significant step in presenting a united Indian demand for self-rule and constitutional reforms.
    • While the Simon Commission failed to satisfy Indian aspirations for self-governance and was met with strong protests, the Nehru Report emerged as a crucial document representing the Indian demand for a comprehensive and inclusive constitutional framework.


    UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQs)

    1. Since the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and expanded its social base. Discuss. (2020, 15 Marks)
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