CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

MOVEMENT
-An Attempt at paralyzing the government by breaking some
specific rules and regulations.
-Basically means “to disobey the law” and thus the word
‘Disobedience’
 Circumstances
That Led To The
Civil Disobidience
Movement
 1. Simon Commision
Also known as Indian Statutory Commission

Group of 7 members of British Parliament.

Members- Sir John Simon, Clement Attlee, Harry Levy-Lawson,

Edward Cadogan, Vernon Hartshorn, George Lane-fox, Donald
Howard.

Was appointed by British Goverment in Nov 1927 and arrived in

India in 1928 to study constitutional reforms in India.
PURPOSE
At time of introduction of Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
in 1919, British Government declared to send a
commission to India exactly after 10 years to examine
effects and operations of above reforms and to suggest
more reforms.
This commission was Simon Commission which was
appointed 2 years early its scheduled time.
REACTION-
 It was opposed by INC leaders and Muslim League and
Hindu Mahasabha leaders due to the fact that it had no
Indian members.
At the Madras session in 1927 presided over by Dr.Ansari,
the INC decided to boycott the commission
“at every stage and in every form”.
Simon Commission temporarily, united different
groups and parties in the country.
However, it was supported by Dr. B.R Ambedkar,
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and Chaudhary Chhotu Ram.
On 3rd February, the day commission reached Bombay
it was met with All India hartals and Black Flag
demonstrations under the slogan “Simon Go back”.
The anti Simon Commission Movement didn’t led to
wider political struggle because it lacked full
participation of Gandhiji.
Tons of joint meetings of leading political workers
were held to evolve an alternating scheme of political
reforms which came into existence as Nehru Report.
Nehru Report was named after its chief architect
Motilal Nehru. And was finalised in August 1928.
Unfortunately, the All Party Convection held at
Calcutta in Dec 1928, failed to pass the report due to
objections raised by some communal minded
members in Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha,
and the Sikh League.
The Government Response-
The Government used brutal suppression and police
attacks to break the popular opposition.
Lala Lajpat Rai led a protest in Lahore. He suffered
heavy injuries and died on 17 Nov 1928.
The commission published its 2-volume report in May
1930.
RECOMMENDATIONS- (Imp)
 Dyarchy in provinces to be replaced by complete
autonomy.
Enlargment of Provincial Legislative Council.
Federal government at Centre to embrace Princely
States too.
Governor General should select and appoint members
of his cabinet.
The Communal representation was to continue.
2.Declaration of Purna Swaraj