UPSC Polity Question
Consider the following statements regarding Indian Independence Act of 1947: 1. It deprived the Viceroy of India of legislative powers and retained the office merely as a ceremonial position. 2. It allowed the princely states either to join India or Pakistan but denied the right to remain independent. 3. It discontinued the appointment to civil services by the secretary of state for India. 4. It abolished the office of secretary of state for India. How many statements given above are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Correct Answer:
B. Only two
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Act abolished the office of Viceroy and provided for a Governor-General for each dominion, giving legislative powers to the Constituent Assemblies. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Act granted princely states the freedom to join either India or Pakistan or to remain independent. Statement 3 is correct: The Act discontinued appointments to the civil services by the Secretary of State for India. Statement 4 is correct: The Act abolished the office of the Secretary of State for India and transferred his functions to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs.