Partition of India: The act called for the partition of British India into two dominions, India and Pakistan, with India having a Hindu majority and Pakistan a Muslim majority. The exact boundaries were determined by a boundary commission led by Sir Cyril Radcliffe.
Grant of Independence: The act granted independence to both India and Pakistan, establishing them as self-governing dominions within the British Commonwealth of Nations. The British monarch would be the head of state in both dominions, represented by a governor-general.
Governor-General: The act created the position of governor-general as the representative of the British monarch in each dominion. Lord Mountbatten was appointed as the first governor-general of India, while Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the governor-general of Pakistan.
Constituent Assemblies: The act provided for the establishment of separate constituent assemblies in India and Pakistan, tasked with drafting and adopting their respective constitutions.
Princely States: The act granted the princely states the option to accede to either India or Pakistan or to remain independent. The rulers of the princely states were given the power to determine the fate of their territories, resulting in most states choosing to join either India or Pakistan based on factors such as geographical proximity, religious demographics, and political considerations.
Transfer of Power: The act set a specific date, August 15, 1947, for the transfer of power, marking the cessation of British rule and the formation of the two dominions of India and Pakistan.
Division of Assets and Liabilities: The act addressed the division of assets and liabilities between India and Pakistan, including military assets, financial resources, and administrative matters.
Legal Continuity: The act ensured the continuity of existing laws and legal systems in both India and Pakistan, unless modified by their respective constituent assemblies.
British Control over Defense and Foreign Affairs: The act allowed the British government to retain control over defense and foreign affairs until June 30, 1948. After this date, these powers would be transferred to the governments of India and Pakistan.
Amendment and Repeal: The Indian Independence Act included provisions for amending or repealing the act through subsequent legislation.
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 established the framework for the partition of British India and the subsequent creation of independent nations, India and Pakistan. It marked a significant milestone in the history of the Indian subcontinent and had profound and lasting effects on the region.
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