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The 80th Independence Day recalls the Indian Independence Act, 1947, the landmark British legislation that ended British rule and created India and Pakistan as independent Dominions.

Key Provisions

• Passed: 4 July 1947; Royal Assent: 18 July 1947; effective: 15 August 1947.
• End of British sovereignty: Terminated British authority over India and removed the title “Emperor of India” from the British monarch.
• Two Dominions: Created India and Pakistan as independent Dominions.
• Governor-General: Viceroy's office was replaced by a Governor-General for each Dominion.
• Constituent Assemblies: Empowered the Constituent Assemblies to frame constitutions and modify/repeal existing laws.
• Princely States: Ended British paramountcy, leaving rulers to decide their future in the context of accession to India/Pakistan.
• Interim constitutional framework: The Government of India Act, 1935 continued, with necessary modifications, until new constitutions were adopted.
• Boundary Commissions: Provided for demarcation of Punjab and Bengal, chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe.
• Secretary of State for India: The office was abolished.

Background

• Growth of the national movement through the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement strengthened the demand for independence.
• Lahore Resolution (1940): Strengthened the Muslim League's demand for a separate Muslim state.
• Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): Failed to achieve agreement on a united constitutional framework.
• Attlee's February 1947 announcement: Initially set June 1948 as the latest deadline for British withdrawal.
• Mountbatten Plan / 3 June Plan (1947): Accelerated the transfer of power and provided the immediate political basis for the Indian Independence Act.