The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was a crucial piece of legislation that marked the end of British rule in India and paved the way for the country’s independence. The Act was passed by the British Parliament in July 1947 and received royal assent on July 18, 1947. It came into effect on August 15, 1947, coinciding with India’s Independence Day.
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was a law passed by the United Kingdom’s Parliament that divided British India into two new independent dominions: India and Pakistan. The act was passed on July 18, 1947, and granted independence to the two countries on August 15, 1947.
Learn in detail about the Indian Independence Act 1947
Partition of British India
The Act called for the partition of British India into two separate and independent dominions – India and Pakistan. The decision to partition the country was largely driven by religious considerations, with the predominantly Hindu regions forming India and the predominantly Muslim regions becoming Pakistan.
Principles of Partition
The Act laid down the principles for determining the boundaries of the two dominions. It empowered the Boundary Commissions to demarcate the boundaries of the provinces of Punjab and Bengal based on the religious majority in the regions.
Transfer of Power to Dominions
The Act granted full legislative authority, autonomy, and governance to the newly created dominions of India and Pakistan. It transferred power from the British Crown to the respective governments of the two dominions.
Governors-General and Constituent Assemblies
The Act provided for the establishment of separate Constituent Assemblies for India and Pakistan, which were tasked with drafting their respective constitutions. It also specified the powers of the Governors-General for the interim period until the new constitutions were adopted.
Partition of Bengal and Punjab
The Act outlined the partition of the provinces of Bengal and Punjab, taking into account the religious demographics of the regions. The details of the boundary demarcation were to be determined by the Boundary Commissions.
Suzerainty
The Act ended British suzerainty over the princely states, allowing them to accede to either India or Pakistan or remain independent. The Instrument of Accession provided the legal mechanism for princely states to join one of the dominions.
Abrogation of Treaties
The Act declared that any treaties or agreements between the princely states and the British Crown would lapse with the end of British suzerainty.
Division of Assets and Liabilities
The Act outlined the financial and administrative arrangements for the division of assets, liabilities, and other matters between India and Pakistan.
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 played a crucial role in shaping the course of South Asian history. While it granted independence to India and Pakistan, it also led to the mass migration of populations across the newly drawn borders, resulting in widespread communal violence and displacement. You may also like to read act 1935.
