With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It recommended a federal government.
2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.
3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 3
4. None

Explanation

Only statement 1 is correct

• In March 1946, the British Cabinet sent a three-member mission, Sir Pethick Lawrence (Chairman), Stafford Cripps, and A. V. Alexander, to negotiate with Indian leaders to transfer power to the Indians.
• The Cabinet Mission and the Viceroy, Lord Wavell, announced the Cabinet Mission plan (May 16 Plan) on May 16, 1946. It proposed a federal plan expected to maintain national unity while conceding the largest measure of regional autonomy.
• It proposed a loose three-tier federation:
  • Federal Union at the top tier
  • Groups of provinces as a middle-tier
  • Individual provinces at the bottom tie
• The Cabinet Mission held that the constitutional structure should be federal.
• Under the Mission plan, India was to have a weak central government controlling only foreign affairs, defence, and communications, leaving all other subjects to the existing provincial legislature.
• The residuary power would also be vested in the provincial legislature.
• The States (princely states) would retain all subjects and powers other than those ceded to the Union.
• The Mission did not suggest any changes to the powers of Indian courts, as its primary objective was to design a constitutional framework for the transfer of power rather than to undertake judicial reforms. It did not make any recommendations concerning the Indian Civil Services (ICS) or the enhancement of Indian participation within.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Easy