Simon Commission | Background and Formation - Terms of Reference - Reaction in India - Consequences of Lathi Charge - Aftermath of Simon Commission

Simon Commission:

The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was a commission established by the British government to review and make recommendations for constitutional reforms in India. The commission's formation and subsequent events played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Here are the key details:

Simon Commission

Background:

The Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced limited self-government in India. However, it left certain key issues unaddressed, leading to demands for further constitutional reforms.

Formation of the Commission:

The Simon Commission was appointed in November 1927 by the British government under the chairmanship of Sir John Simon, a British statesman.

The commission was composed entirely of British members, with no Indian representation. This lack of Indian representation caused widespread dissatisfaction and protests.

Composition of the Commission:

The Simon Commission comprised seven members, all of whom were British parliamentarians. The absence of any Indian members drew strong criticism from Indian political leaders.

Terms of Reference:

The main objective of the Simon Commission was to review the working of the Government of India Act of 1919 and suggest constitutional reforms for India's future governance.

Reaction in India:

1. Protests and Opposition:

The absence of Indian members in the commission was perceived as a snub to Indian aspirations for self-governance.

The Indian National Congress and other political parties, including the All India Muslim League, decided to boycott the commission.

2. Lathi Charge in Lahore (1928):

When the Simon Commission arrived in Lahore on October 30, 1928, there were large-scale protests.

The police, led by James A. Scott, initiated a lathi (baton) charge to disperse the protesters, leading to the injury of Lala Lajpat Rai, who later succumbed to his injuries.

3. Consequences of Lathi Charge:

In retaliation for Lajpat Rai's death, Bhagat Singh and his associates planned to assassinate James A. Scott. However, the plan went awry, and J.P. Saunders was mistakenly shot and killed.

Aftermath:

The Simon Commission's report, known as the Simon Report, was published in 1930. It proposed a continuation of communal electorates and did not satisfy Indian aspirations for self-rule.

The commission's failure to include Indian members and the subsequent events fueled anti-British sentiments, contributing to the intensification of the Indian independence movement.

The Simon Commission and the events surrounding it highlighted the need for greater Indian involvement in the decision-making processes related to constitutional reforms. It also laid the groundwork for future demands for complete self-governance and independence in India.