Which of the following acts was aimed at establishing a federal polity in India?

Correct option is C

Correct answer: (c) Government of India Act, 1935

Explanation:

• The Government of India Act, 1935 was a landmark legislation aimed at establishing a federal structure in India.
• It proposed the formation of an All-India Federation, comprising:
• British Indian Provinces
• Princely States (on voluntary basis)
• Though the federation was never fully implemented, the act laid the constitutional foundation for India’s federal polity.

Key Features of the Act:

• Division of powers between the Centre and Provinces (Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent lists)
• Introduction of Provincial Autonomy
• Establishment of Federal Court (1937)
• Bicameral legislature at the centre (Council of State and Federal Assembly)
• Reserved powers for the Governor-General

Information Booster:

• The act served as the basis for the Constitution of independent India (1950).
• It was the longest and most detailed act passed by the British Parliament for India.

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Indian Councils Act, 1892 – Expanded legislative councils; not about federalism.
• (b) Rowlatt Act, 1919 – Allowed detention without trial; suppressed civil liberties.
• (d) Government of India Act, 1858 – Ended East India Company rule; power transferred to the British Crown.