Be Mains Ready

Approach

• Give a brief introduction of Simon Commission.
• Give reasons and context for appointment of Simon Commission.
• Briefly explain the reception of Simon Commission by Indians.
• Conclude by explaining its importance for constitution framing by Indians.

Introduction

Indian Statutory Commission, popularly known as Simon Commission was appointed by the British government in 1927 under the chairmanship of John Simon to review the workings of Government of India Act 1919 and suggest future measures. It consisted of 7 British Members of Parliament, including the Chairman.

Body

Context 

• The Government of India Act 1919 introduced Dyarchy system to govern the British provinces in India.
  
  • Under this system, the provincial subjects were divided into two categories- Reserved and Transferred.
  • The transferred subjects were to be administered by the governor with the aid of ministers responsible to the Legislative Council.
  • reserved subjects, on the other hand, were to be administered by the governor and his executive council without being responsible to the Legislative Council.
• Further, the Act made a provision for a review committee on its working after 10 years.
• The Act of 1919 failed to meet the aspirations of Indians for self rule (dominion status).
• Although constitutional reforms were due in 1929, anticipating a change in government, the Indian Statutory Commission (Simon Commission) was appointed in 1927.

General Response of the Indians

• The announcement of Simon Commission evoked a sense of anger among the Indians.
• The exclusion of Indians from the all-white commission was seen a violation of the principle of self-determination, and as a deliberate insult to the self-respect of Indians.
• A nationwide bandh was observed and mass rallies were held. The commission was met with black flags and calls of ‘Simon Go Back’ wherever it went.
• The police came down heavily on protestors. In one such incidence of lathi-charge, senior leader Lala Lajpat Rai was severely injured and succumbed to his injuries. This further infuriated the masses and revolutionaries.

Response of Political Organisations

• The Indian National Congress in its 1927 Madras session decided to boycott commission at every stage and every form.
• Other parties like the Muslim League, Liberal Party, Hindu Mahasabha etc also decided to boycott the Simon Commission. However, Unionists in Punjab and Justice Party in the south decided not to boycott the commission.

Conclusion

• Simon Commission, led to acceptance of the challenge of Birkenhead by Indians to frame a constitution on its own, which resulted in Nehru report of 1929.
• Arrival of Simon Commission and its subsequent protests at pan India level united the Indians against the British might.