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Indian Independence Act, 1947
Context:
Indian Independence Act, 1947 Passed by British Parliament on July 5, 1947, received royal assent on July 18, 1947.
Overview:
- Ended British rule in India, partitioned into India and Pakistan.
- Based on the Mountbatten Plan (3 june plan) for transferring power to Indian hands.
Key Provisions:
- Independence Declaration: India became independent on August 15, 1947, while Pakistan on 14th August.
- Partition: India and Pakistan created as separate dominions.
- Governance Changes: Abolished the viceroyalty, established separate Governor-Generals for India and Pakistan.
- Constituent Assemblies: Empowered to draft and implement their own constitutions, annul British laws.
- Legislative Autonomy: Post-independence, no British Parliament acts extended to the dominions without their consent.
- Princely States: Given the option to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent.
- Government of India Act, 1935: Basis for governance until new constitutions were drafted.
Historical Background:
- British control over India since the Revolt of 1857.
- Mountbatten Plan aimed to transfer power and address Indian self-rule demands.
Impact and Legacy:
- Constitutional Development: India became a republic on January 26, 1950; Pakistan on March 23, 1956.
- Integration of Princely States: Most acceded to either India or Pakistan, notable issue of Kashmir remains unresolved.
- Communal Tensions: Partition led to significant violence and migration.
- End of British Suzerainty: Abolished titles and roles associated with British rule, marked a new era of sovereignty for both nations.