Indian Independence Act 1947

Indian Independence Act 1947: India continues to be one of the nations with the widest ethnic diversity. The nation is home to several castes and tribes, as well as more than a dozen main and hundreds of smaller linguistic groups from several separate language families, in addition to its numerous faiths and sects. It’s the 75th Independence Day for our nation this year. A significant constitutional event was the 1947 enactment of the Indian Independence Act. In this article, we are going to learn about the Indian Independence Act of 1947 in detail.

Indian Independence Act of 1947

After receiving parliamentary approval, the Indian Independence Act of 1947 went into effect on July 18. This resolution was adopted by the British parliament, dividing India into the newly independent nations of Pakistan and India. The Mountbatten Plan, also known as the June 3 Plan, served as the foundation for the legislation created by Clement Attlee‘s Labor government.

The Muslim League, Sikh community, and Indian National Congress (INC) members reached an understanding with the British government and passed this resolution since it was the final strategy for India’s Independence. On August 15, 1947, the Republic of India and Pakistan was established following the Indian Independence Act of 1947. Both nations established themselves as autonomous dominions, resulting in a self-governing system of government.

Mountbatten Plan

Indian Independence Act is also called The Mountbatten Plan.

• The plan was named after Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British leader in India.
• It was announced on June 3, 1947.
• The main idea was to split British India into two countries: India and Pakistan.
• This split was based on religion, with India having a majority of Hindus and Pakistan having a majority of Muslims.
• The plan aimed to solve the problems between Hindus and Muslims.
• It led to India and Pakistan becoming independent in August 1947.
• The British Parliament quickly agreed to this plan, ending British control.
• However, this split also caused a lot of sadness and violence.

History of Indian Independence

• Following the Revolt of 1857, the British Crown replaced the British East India Company as the country’s ruler. Native Indians were subjected to discrimination and oppression during the British era of control in India. By the start of the Second World War, there was a growing animosity toward the British in India. In exchange for Indian help in the war, the British made promises to the Indians that they would take steps toward self-rule.
• When the British East India Company first set foot on Indian soil, the country was ruled by a number of different dynasties. Political treaties and Anglo-Carnatic wars were used to annex the EIC in the beginning. Additionally, it brought about alliances like the subsidiary alliances, which established British dominance over Indian regions.
• Following the 1857 Indian Revolt, the EIC lost all of its administrative authority, and the Crown directly assumed control of its Indian colony. Mahatma Gandhi gained widespread support from the populace through his nonviolent means of protest, and his demonstrations quickly grew into significant public movements.
• Lord Listowel, the previous Secretary of State for India and a member of the British Cabinet, introduced the Indian Independence Act in the British parliament. India and Pakistan became independent nations after the Act was passed. Additionally, the princely states had their independence restored, and it was up to them whether they wanted to join the Pakistani or Indian unions.

Check: Partition of India 1947 with Historical Facts and Map

Main Aspects of Indian Independence Act

The key elements of the Indian Independence Act of 1947 are as follows:

• India was proclaimed to be a sovereign and independent state by the Act. Additionally, it included provisions for the division of the Indian state into Pakistan and India on the basis of religious disagreements.
• The Secretary of State for India’s job was eliminated. On the recommendation of the British Cabinet, the Viceroy’s position was also abolished, and an Act was introduced to provide for the appointment of two distinct Governors-General for the dominions of India and Pakistan.
• Both of the dominions’ Constituent Assemblies were given the authority to draught their own constitutions and to repeal any laws enacted by the British Parliament for the Indian state, including the Independence Act itself.
• It gave the princely states the option to ally with either of the dominions or to maintain their independence.
• Each dominion was to be governed in accordance with the 1935 Government of India Act. The Indian state’s bills were no longer subject to the British Monarch’s veto or request. Each dominion’s Governor-General was required to follow the council’s recommendations.

Changes After The 1947 Act

The act went through quite a few changes after the act was passed in 1947.

• After the Independence Act transferred authority, a number of things happened. The Indian Constitution was drafted in 1949 by the Indian Constituent Assembly and went into force on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a republic. On the other side, Pakistan gained its republic status on March 23, 1956.
• A significant issue was the merging of princely states. The majority of princely states did, however, sign the document of accession to a dominion. The majority of princely nations based their choice of jurisdiction on geography. For instance, most of the states on the Indian side of the border decided to join India.
• The states of India and Pakistan became independent thanks to the Indian Independence Act. The newly constituted states received total power transfer from the British Crown. The British suzerainty was dissolved. However, it was followed by the division, which is now regarded as one of the largest forced movements in human history.

Conclusion

The Indian Independence Act facilitated the independence of India and Pakistan, with the British Crown fully transferring power to the newly formed states and abolishing British suzerainty. However, it was overshadowed by the violent partition, marking one of the largest forced migrations in history, resulting in the loss of millions of lives.

Indian Independence Act 1947 – FAQs

What was the independence Act of 1947?

In 1947, the Indian Independence Act created India and Pakistan as independent dominions, with Pakistan later splitting into Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Is Indian Independence Act 1947 repealed?

The Indian Independence Act was repealed through Article 395 of the Indian Constitution and Article 221 of Pakistan’s 1956 Constitution to grant greater independence to the new states.

Who proposed Indian Independence Act, 1947?

The Indian Independence Act of 1947, passed by the British Parliament, partitioned India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan, and was drafted by the Labour government under Clement Attlee.

When did British Parliament pass Indian Independence Act?

The British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act on July 18, 1947.

How many states in India in 1947?

Before the British Raj, India did not exist as a unified state. Following their departure, India comprised 552 princely states, while Pakistan consisted of 13 princely states

What was the Purpose of Indian Independence Act 1947?

The purpose of the Indian Independence Act 1947 was to end British rule in India and partition it into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan.

Who was the last viceroy of India?

The last Viceroy of India was Lord Louis Mountbatten.

Write the Salient Features of Indian Independence Act 1947?

The Indian Independence Act of 1947 had several key features:

• It marked the end of British authority in India, leading to the creation of two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, on August 15, 1947.
• The Act provided for the partition of the British Indian Empire into India and Pakistan, based on religious demographics, leading to the creation of Pakistan.
• It allowed both India and Pakistan to have their own Governor-Generals, appointed by the British King upon the recommendation of the respective dominions’ cabinets.
• The Act transferred all legislative powers to the constituent assemblies of India and Pakistan. These assemblies were also to act as central legislatures until new constitutions were drafted.
• It granted freedom to the princely states (which were not directly under British rule) to choose whether to join India or Pakistan or remain independent.
• The Act provided for the continuation of the civil services under the new administrations, with options for transfer and opt-out provisions for British civil servants.

Mention any Two Provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947.

Two key provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947 are:

• Partition of British India: The Act provided for the partition of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, based on religious demographics.
• Legislative Powers: It transferred all legislative powers to the constituent assemblies of India and Pakistan, allowing them to act as central legislatures and draft their own constitutions.

When was Indian Independence Act 1947 Given Royal Assent?

The Indian Independence Act 1947 was given Royal Assent on July 18, 1947.