Indian Independence Act of 1947
On February 20, 1947, the British Prime Minister Clement Atlee declared that the British rule in India would end by June 30, 1948 after which the power would be transferred to responsible Indian hands. This announcement was followed by the agitation by the Muslim League demanding partition of the country. Again on June 3, 1947 the British government made it clear that any constitution framed by the constitution assembly of India cannot apply to those parts of the country which was unwilling to accept it. On the same day Lord Mountbatten ,the viceroy of India put forth the partition plan known as the Mountbatten plan. The plan was accepted by the Congress and the Muslim League. Immediate effect was given to the plan by enacting the Indian Independence Act 1947
Features of the act 1947
- It ended the British rule in India and declared India as Independent and sovereign state from August 15, 1947.
- It provided for the partition of India and creation of two independent dominations of India and Pakistan with the right to secede from the British Commonwealth
- It abolished the office of Viceroy and provided for each Dominion, a governor- general, who was to be appointed by the British King on the advice of the dominan cabinet. His majesty's government in Britain was to have no responsibility with respect to the Government of India or Pakistan.
- It empowered the constituent assemblies of the two dominians to frame and adopt any constitutions for their respective Nations and to repeal any act of the British Parliament, including the Independence Act itself.
