Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the ‘Simon Commission’:
- It was officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission.
- Its constitution was provided for in the Government of India Act, 1919 itself.
- It was constituted a few years in advance of its scheduled timing.
- It was boycotted by the Congress but welcomed by the Muslim League.
Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer:
Only 1, 2, and 3
Notes: The Indian National Movement got a new stir when, in November 1927, the British Government appointed the Indian Statutory Commission, known popularly after the name of its chairman, as the Simon Commission. It was formed to suggest further constitutional reforms. So, statement 1 is correct. Under the provisions of the Government of India Act- 1919, a commission had been set up after ten years of the passage of the act so as to examine the operation of constitutional scheme and to suggest further constitutional reforms in India. So, statement 2 is correct. The Commission was constituted before its stipulated time i.e. 1929, because of the political scenario in Britain. Elections were about to be held in Britain and the ruling Conservative Party Government in Britain, which was sure to lose in these elections, could not leave this task in the hands of irresponsible Labour Party, which was widely pitted to win. Consequently, it sent the commission before its pre-decided time. So, statement 3 is correct. The commission was opposed by all important Indian leaders and parties as all the members of the commission were Englishmen. These parties and leaders came together and tried to meet the challenge of the Simon Commission by evolving an alternative scheme of constitutional reforms. So, statement 4 is incorrect.