Simon Commission 

The Simon Commission, established by the British in 1927 to review the Government of India Act 1919, sparked protests due to its British composition. Upon its arrival in India in 1928, protests, including the “Simon Go Back” marches, fueled nationalist sentiment and influenced key developments like the Nehru Report, promoting Indian self-governance and independence.

Introduction

In 1927, the British government established the Simon Commission, also known as the Indian Statutory Commission, to review the Government of India Act 1919 and propose constitutional amendments, causing Indian discontent.

Simon Commission Arrival

The Simon Commission arrived in Bombay, India on 3rd February 1928, causing public outrage and protests. Political factions, including the Indian National Congress and a Muslim League party, boycotted the commission, resulting in its reception.

Commission’s entrance welcomed with nationwide protests.
Strikes and demonstrations expressed dissatisfaction.
Black flag demonstrations symbolized rejection of exclusionary practices.

• Students and youth were at the forefront of the protests, demonstrating their commitment to the cause of Indian independence.

Simon Commission Purpose

The objective of the Simon Commission was to evaluate the Government of India Act 1919, recommend constitutional reforms, address communal representation, and assess law and order amidst rising nationalist movements.

• Evaluate the Government of India Act 1919: Commission Review: Diarchy System
• Indian ministers handle provincial duties.
• British officials handle others.
• Recommend Constitutional Reforms: It sought to propose constitutional changes that could address governance issues and Indian demands while maintaining British control.
• Address Communal Representation: The commission aimed to evaluate and propose solutions for communal representation, a contentious issue in British India.
• Assess Law and Order: The commission was tasked with reviewing the law and order situation in light of growing nationalist movements.

Simon Commission Criticism

The Simon Commission faced criticism for lacking Indian representation, leading to a limited understanding of India’s needs, and for prioritising colonial authority over genuine reforms. The absence of Indian members meant the commission lacked a genuine understanding of India’s political climate and needs. Critics argued that the commission’s purpose was more about preserving colonial authority than offering meaningful reforms.

Simon Commission Boycott

At the 1927 Madras session, leaders, notably the INC, called for real reforms, Indian representation, and other factors that led to the boycott of the Simon Commission.

• Lack of Indian representation seen as disregard for Indian political aspirations.
• Commission viewed as tactic to delay constitutional reforms and maintain British control.
• Indian leaders called for nationwide boycott, mobilizing public protest against the commission.

Major Protest Events

The Lahore Protest, led by Lala Lajpat Rai, saw brutal police action and his death, intensifying resistance and nationalist sentiment among students and youth.

• Lahore protest led by Lala Lajpat Rai resulted in brutal police action.
• Rai’s death intensified resistance against the commission.
• Student and youth protests emphasized nationalist sentiment and change demand.

Simon Commission Impact

Simon Commission’s Impact on India’s Independence Movement:
Leads to Nehru Report advocating for dominion status and secular democracy.
Unites opposition, fosters new leaders, and intensifies demands for self-governance.
Influences the Government of India Act 1935, which abolished diarchy, introduced provincial autonomy, and instituted bicameralism in six provinces.

Criticism: Despite reforms, the act was criticised for not granting full self-governance, leading to continued demands for independence.

The emergence of New Leaders: The opposition to the Simon Commission provided a platform for new leaders and movements to emerge, contributing to the broader struggle for independence.

• Bhagat Singh’s activism and resistance against colonial rule.
• The Simon Commission’s role in uniting diverse groups for self-rule.
• The boycott united Indian political parties, fostering national solidarity.
• The commission acted as a catalyst for change, intensifying demands for independence and self-governance.