Simon Commission (1927-1928): Arrival Date in India, Objectives, 7 Members, Boycott, Legacy | MPPSC & UPSC Notes PDF

• What is Simon Commission: The Simon Commission (officially the Indian Statutory Commission) was a panel of seven British Members of Parliament set up in 1927 to study constitutional reform in India.
• Formation Date: November 8, 1927 in London.
• Arrival Date in India: February 3, 1928 at Bombay port.
• Why Boycotted: It was an 'All-White Commission' with zero Indian representation.
• Key Outcome: Triggered the drafting of the Nehru Report (1928) and shaped the Government of India Act 1935.

1. Formation Background & Date of Arrival in India

• Official Name: Indian Statutory Commission.
• Formation Date: November 8, 1927 in London by the British Conservative Government.
• Arrival Date in India: February 3, 1928 at Bombay port.
• All-White Commission: Consisted of 7 British MPs led by Sir John Simon, excluding Indian members completely.

2. Complete List of the 7 British Commission Members

• 1. Sir John Simon: Chairman (Liberal Party)
• 2. Clement Attlee: Member (Labour Party - Future British PM during Indian Independence in 1947)
• 3. Harry Levy-Lawson, Viscount Burnham: Member (Conservative)
• 4. Edward Cadogan: Member (Conservative)
• 5. Vernon Hartshorn: Member (Labour)
• 6. George Lane-Fox: Member (Conservative)
• 7. Lord Strathcona: Member (Conservative)

3. Primary Mandate & Terms of Reference

• Diarchy Assessment: To evaluate the provincial diarchy framework set up under the 1919 Act.
• Constitutional Proposals: To recommend further legislative reforms while keeping imperial sovereignty intact.
• Communal Electorates & Order: To inspect separate communal electorates and law and order dynamics.

4. Reasons for Boycott & INC Madras Session 1927

• INC Resolution: Passed at the 1927 Madras Session presided by Dr. M.A. Ansari to boycott the commission 'at every stage and in every form'.
• Broad Coalition: Supported by INC, Hindu Mahasabha, Liberals, and Jinnah's faction of Muslim League.

5. Parties and Leaders Who Did Not Boycott the Commission

• 1. Justice Party (Madras): Cooperated with the commission to safeguard non-Brahmin interests.
• 2. Unionist Party (Punjab): Led by Sir Fazl-i-Hussain and Ch. Chhotu Ram, did not boycott.
• 3. All India Depressed Classes Association: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar submitted demands for depressed classes.
• 4. Muslim League (Shafi Group): The faction led by Muhammad Shafi cooperated.

6. The Oct 30 Lahore Lathi Charge & Historic Statement

• Lahore Demonstration: Led by Lala Lajpat Rai ('Punjab Kesari') on Oct 30, 1928.
• Martyrdom: Lala Lajpat Rai succumbed to head injuries on November 17, 1928.

7. 5 Key Recommendations of the Simon Report

• 1. Abolition of Diarchy: Replace diarchy with Provincial Autonomy in provinces.
• 2. No Responsible Centre: Denied responsible government at the central level.
• 3. All-India Federation: Proposed a federation incorporating princely states.
• 4. Continuation of Communal Electorates: Retained separate electorates.
• 5. Separation of Burma: Separation of Burma from British India and creation of Sindh/Orissa.

8. Far-Reaching Impact on Indian Freedom Struggle

• Nehru Report (1928): Drafted by Motilal Nehru in response to Birkenhead's challenge.
• GOI Act 1935: Direct legal outcome incorporating provincial autonomy.
• Purna Swaraj & Civil Disobedience: Paved the way for the 1929 Lahore session resolution and 1930 Dandi March.

9. Fast-Track Revision Points for Civil Services

• Appointment Date: November 8, 1927 (London)
• Arrival Date in India: February 3, 1928 (Bombay)
• Chairman: Sir John Simon
• Total Members: 7 Members (All British - White Commission)
• Notable Member: Clement Attlee (PM in 1947)
• Boycott Resolution: INC Madras Session 1927 (Dr. M. A. Ansari)
• Supporters: Justice Party (Madras), Unionists (Punjab), Depressed Classes Association
• Martyrdom of Lala Lajpat Rai: November 17, 1928
• Report Published: May 1930