Sunday, March 28, 2021
Simon Commission
The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was a commission established by the British government to assess the constitutional progress in India and suggest reforms. It was named after its chairman, Sir John Simon, a British politician and member of the British Parliament.
Background:
The Simon Commission was appointed in 1927, following the failure of the British government and Indian political leaders to reach an agreement on constitutional reforms. The purpose of the commission was to evaluate the working of the Government of India Act 1919 and suggest further constitutional reforms based on its findings.
Composition:
The commission consisted entirely of British members, without any Indian representation. This lack of Indian representation angered the Indian political leaders and the public, leading to widespread protests and boycotts.
Protests and Boycott:
The appointment of an all-British commission without any Indian members was met with strong opposition in India. The Indian National Congress and other political parties boycotted the commission, and mass protests were organized across the country.
Lala Lajpat Rai's Death:
During a peaceful protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore on October 30, 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent Indian leader, was severely injured in a police baton charge. He later succumbed to his injuries, leading to widespread outrage and further intensification of the protests.
Results and Impact:
The Simon Commission submitted its report in 1930, recommending limited constitutional reforms and retaining British control over certain aspects of Indian administration. However, the report failed to address the demand for full self-government and further fueled the demand for complete independence.
The Simon Commission and the subsequent protests highlighted the deepening divide between the British government and the Indian political leaders. It also played a significant role in galvanizing public support for the Indian independence movement, leading to increased unity among various Indian political groups against British colonial rule.