Serial no Contents Page no

1. Introduction to Government of India Act, 1935 2

2. Background 3

3. Salient features of Govt of India Act, 1935 5

4. Reaction of Indians on Act 7

5. Conclusion 9

1
 Introduction

The Government of India Act, 1935, marked a pivotal moment in India's

constitutional and political history, setting the stage for a significant shift in governance
and laying the groundwork for the eventual independence of the Indian subcontinent.
Enacted by the British Parliament, this legislation was a comprehensive attempt to reform
and reorganize the governance structure in British India. It was a response to mounting
demands for increased participation of Indians in their own governance and a significant
step towards establishing a framework for self-rule and democracy within the subcontinent.
In this introduction, we will delve into the historical and political context leading to the
enactment of the Government of India Act, 1935, its key provisions, and its lasting impact
on the trajectory of India's struggle for independence and subsequent constitutional
development.

2
 Background
The background leading to the enactment of the Government of India Act, 1935, is deeply
rooted in the complex historical, political, and social landscape of British India during the
early 20th century. Understanding this backdrop is crucial to grasp the motives and
circumstances that necessitated such a comprehensive piece of legislation.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, India was under British colonial rule, subject
to policies that were primarily aimed at furthering British interests. The Indian National
Congress (INC) and the All India Muslim League, among other political groups, had started
demanding greater participation of Indians in governance and a role in shaping policies
that directly affected their lives. This burgeoning demand for self-governance and
representation laid the foundation for a political movement seeking constitutional reforms.
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 had provided limited representation to Indians
in the legislative process, albeit still under the overarching control of the British
government. However, these reforms fell short of the aspirations of many Indians, leading
to a call for a more comprehensive constitutional framework that would grant a higher
degree of autonomy and representation.
Simultaneously, World War I and its aftermath had weakened the economic and political
strength of Britain, prompting a reevaluation of colonial policies. The British government,
recognizing the need to strengthen its rule and appease Indian sentiments, initiated the
process of formulating a new constitutional framework for India.
The Simon Commission of 1927, tasked with reviewing the effectiveness of the existing
constitutional arrangements, was met with widespread protests and boycotts due to its all-
British composition, further highlighting the need for greater Indian involvement in
shaping governance.
In response to growing discontent and demands for constitutional reforms, the British
government appointed a round table conference in London (1930-1932) to discuss potential
reforms. However, the lack of consensus and the refusal of major political parties to
participate fully in the conference complicated the process.
Amidst this backdrop of political activism, protests, and an evolving global geopolitical
landscape, the Government of India Act, 1935, emerged as a pivotal attempt by the British
government to introduce a substantial constitutional reform, addressing the growing

3
aspirations of Indians for a more participatory and representative governance system. The
Act, though not without its limitations and criticisms, was a significant step towards setting
the stage for India's eventual independence and the framing of its own constitution.

4
 Salient features of Government of India Act, 1935
The Government of India Act, 1935, was a crucial piece of legislation that significantly
shaped the constitutional and political landscape of British India. Here are the salient
features of the Act:
Bicameral Legislature:
The Act introduced a bicameral legislature at the federal level, consisting of two houses -
the Council of States (analogous to the Upper House) and the Federal Assembly (analogous
to the Lower House). The provinces also had their legislatures.
Diarchy in Provinces:
The Act established a system of diarchy in the provinces, wherein the powers and
responsibilities of the provincial governments were divided into two categories: reserved
subjects (administered by the Governor) and transferred subjects (administered by
ministers responsible to the legislature).
Federal Structure:
The Act envisaged a federal structure for India, combining both British India and princely
states. However, the princely states were given the choice to join the federation at their
discretion.
Separation of Powers:
The Act attempted to establish a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and
judicial branches at both the federal and provincial levels.
Federal Court:
A Federal Court was established at the federal level, providing for an apex court to interpret
and adjudicate matters concerning the Act and other federal matters.
Governor-General and Provincial Governors:
The Act maintained the position of the Governor-General at the federal level and
Governors in the provinces, serving as representatives of the British Crown and responsible
for administering the Act.
Franchise and Representation:
The Act expanded the electorate, allowing a larger section of the population to vote and
stand for office, albeit with certain limitations based on property, gender, and other criteria.

5
Minority Representation:
Provisions were made for representation of minorities in the legislatures to ensure their
interests were safeguarded.
Financial Provisions:
The Act delineated the financial relationship between the federal government and the
provinces, establishing a system for revenue distribution and financial responsibilities.
Emergency Provisions:
The Act included provisions for declaring a state of emergency, granting the Governor-
General or Governors extraordinary powers during such periods.
Interim Government:
The Act provided for the establishment of an interim government at the federal level until
the full provisions of the Act were brought into effect.
Abolition of Indian Councils:
The Act abolished the Council of India and the Secretary of State for India in Council,
transferring their functions to the Governor-General of India.

These salient features of the Government of India Act, 1935, set the stage for a more
structured governance system, though it fell short of meeting the growing demands for
complete self-governance and independence sought by the Indian population.

6
 Reaction of Indians on Govt of India Act, 1935

The Government of India Act, 1935, provoked a range of reactions from the Indian
populace, political leaders, and organizations. These reactions were reflective of the
diverse aspirations, concerns, and disappointments within Indian society at the time.
Mixed Reactions from Political Leaders:
Political leaders, including members of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the All
India Muslim League, had mixed reactions. Some saw the Act as a step forward,
acknowledging its provisions for a federal structure and representation. However, many
prominent leaders, like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, criticized the Act for not
granting full autonomy and for continuing British control.
Demand for Complete Independence:
A significant portion of the Indian population, particularly those aligned with the INC,
wanted complete independence and were dissatisfied with the Act's limited provisions for
self-governance. They argued that Indians should have the right to frame their own
constitution without interference from the British government.
Criticism of Diarchy:
The system of diarchy introduced in the provinces was criticized for maintaining British
control over key aspects of governance. Critics argued that the division of powers was
inadequate, and the reserved subjects gave too much authority to the British-appointed
Governor.
Concerns about Federal Structure:
While the Act proposed a federal structure, concerns were raised about its practical
implementation, especially the discretionary powers granted to the Governor-General and
Governors. Many feared that the federal structure could perpetuate British influence and
control.
Protests and Agitations:
Several protests, demonstrations, and agitations were organized by political organizations,
labor unions, and ordinary citizens. These protests demanded a more participatory and
democratic form of governance, reflecting the prevailing anti-colonial sentiment.
Princely States' Reactions:

7
The Act's provisions concerning the princely states were met with mixed reactions. Some
princely states viewed the Act as a potential means to negotiate better terms of integration
into the federation, while others remained skeptical and preferred to maintain their
autonomy.
Concerns about Minority Rights:
Although the Act attempted to address minority representation, concerns were raised
regarding the adequacy of safeguards for minority rights. Minority communities,
particularly Muslims, were apprehensive about potential marginalization in the political
and social spheres.
Awareness and Education Campaigns:
Social and political organizations conducted awareness campaigns to educate the masses
about the provisions of the Act, encouraging them to participate in the political process and
advocate for their rights within the framework provided.
Call for Boycott:
Some factions within the nationalist movement called for a boycott of the legislative
councils established under the Act, viewing participation as legitimizing an unjust system.

The Government of India Act, 1935, thus catalyzed a spectrum of reactions and responses,
underlining the varied perspectives and visions for India's political future. While some
acknowledged incremental progress, others deemed the Act as inadequate and a
perpetuation of colonial control, fueling the ongoing struggle for full independence and
self-determination.

8
 Conclusion
In conclusion, the Government of India Act, 1935, holds a significant place in India's pre-
independence constitutional history, marking a critical juncture in the evolving relationship
between British colonial authorities and the burgeoning demand for self-governance by the
Indian populace. The Act was a response to mounting pressures for constitutional reform
and greater Indian participation in governance.
While the Act introduced notable features such as a federal structure, bicameral legislature,
and expanded franchise, it fell short of addressing the fundamental aspiration of complete
self-determination and unfettered independence. The system of diarchy, with reserved
subjects under British control, perpetuated colonial dominance and limited true autonomy
for Indians at the provincial level. The discretionary powers retained by the British-
appointed Governor-General and provincial Governors raised concerns about the
effectiveness of the federal structure and its potential to advance Indian interests.
Furthermore, the Act failed to unite all factions of the Indian political spectrum, with
varying reactions from political leaders and the general public. While some acknowledged
incremental progress, others deemed it insufficient, advocating for a more comprehensive
and participatory governance model. The Act also did not adequately address concerns
about minority representation and rights, perpetuating divisions that continued to influence
the nation's social and political landscape.
In the long run, the Government of India Act, 1935, served as a stepping stone in the
struggle for India's independence. Its provisions and limitations galvanized the Indian
National Movement, sharpening the focus on the necessity of complete self-rule and paving
the way for the eventual framing of the Constitution of India post-independence. Despite
its shortcomings, the Act played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on governance and
constitutional principles, laying the foundation for a sovereign, democratic, and inclusive
India that emerged after gaining independence in 1947.