Indian Independence Act 1947

Indian Independence Act 1947 was a legislation enacted by the British Parliament that formally ended colonial rule in India and led to the creation of two sovereign dominions—India and Pakistan—on 15 August 1947.^[1]

Background

The Act was a result of the Mountbatten Plan (announced on 3 June 1947) which proposed partitioning British India. This came after years of political unrest, communal violence, failed constitutional reforms, and increasing pressure from Indian leaders for self-rule. The Act was passed swiftly and received royal assent on 18 July 1947.^[2]

Key Provisions

British rule over India was legally terminated.
India was partitioned into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan.
Each dominion would have its own Governor-General and Constituent Assembly.
The princely states were released from British authority and allowed to join either India or Pakistan.
The office of the Secretary of State for India was abolished.
The Government of India Act 1935 would remain in effect until a new constitution was framed.

Implementation

India became independent on **15 August 1947**, with Jawaharlal Nehru as the first Prime Minister. Pakistan came into existence on **14 August 1947**, with Muhammad Ali Jinnah as its Governor-General. Both dominions gained full legislative authority and autonomy.

Partition and Its Effects

The partition caused one of the largest mass migrations in human history. Around 10–15 million people were displaced, and communal violence led to the death of hundreds of thousands. The provinces of Punjab and Bengal were divided, and the fate of princely states remained uncertain.

Significance

The Act:

Formally ended nearly 200 years of British colonial rule.
Granted complete legislative sovereignty to India and Pakistan.
Marked the legal transfer of power.
Allowed both dominions to create their own constitutions.

Legacy

India adopted its new constitution on 26 January 1950 and became a republic. Pakistan followed in 1956. The Act remains a historic turning point in South Asia’s constitutional and political evolution.^[3]

References

[1] ttps://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/10-11/30/enacted

[2] ttps://www.britannica.com/event/Indian-Independence-Act

[3] ttps://www.constitutionofindia.net/historical_constitutions/indian_independence_act__1947__10_11_geo_6_ch_30/

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