Which Act declared that British rule in India would end by 30 June 1948?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Act of 1947.
The Indian Independence Act of 1947, passed by the British Parliament, declared that British rule in India would end by June 30, 1948, paving the way for the partition of British India and the establishment of the independent dominions of India and Pakistan.
- Announcement by Clement Attlee: On February 20, 1947, the British Prime Minister, Clement Attlee, announced that the British government would grant full self-government to British India by June 30, 1948.
- Mountbatten Plan: Lord Mountbatten, the new viceroy of India, proposed a plan for the partition of India, which was accepted by both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.
- Indian Independence Act: The Indian Independence Act 1947, passed by the British Parliament on July 5, 1947, and received Royal Assent on July 18, 1947, formalized the plan for the partition of India.
- Partition and Independence: The Act divided British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan, which came into being on August 15, 1947.
- End of British Rule: The Act effectively ended British suzerainty over the princely states, allowing them to choose to join either India or Pakistan, or remain independent.
- Transfer of Power: The Act also transferred legislative authority to the Constituent Assemblies of India and Pakistan, allowing them to frame their own constitutions.