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.