Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why did the critics argue that the Constituent Assembly was not a representative body?
Why did the critics argue that the Constituent Assembly was not a representative body?
What reason did the critics provide for arguing that the Constituent Assembly was not a sovereign body?
What reason did the critics provide for arguing that the Constituent Assembly was not a sovereign body?
Why did Naziruddin Ahmed refer to the Drafting Committee as a 'Drifting Committee'?
Why did Naziruddin Ahmed refer to the Drafting Committee as a 'Drifting Committee'?
According to Granville Austin, what was the dominant party in the Constituent Assembly?
According to Granville Austin, what was the dominant party in the Constituent Assembly?
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What profession did the critics claim dominated the membership of the Constituent Assembly?
What profession did the critics claim dominated the membership of the Constituent Assembly?
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Who first proposed the idea of a Constituent Assembly for India in 1934?
Who first proposed the idea of a Constituent Assembly for India in 1934?
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When did the Indian National Congress (INC) officially demand a Constituent Assembly for the first time?
When did the Indian National Congress (INC) officially demand a Constituent Assembly for the first time?
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Who declared in 1938 that 'the Constitution of free India must be framed by a Constituent Assembly elected on the basis of adult franchise'?
Who declared in 1938 that 'the Constitution of free India must be framed by a Constituent Assembly elected on the basis of adult franchise'?
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Which British Member of the Cabinet came to India in 1942 with a draft proposal on the framing of an independent Constitution?
Which British Member of the Cabinet came to India in 1942 with a draft proposal on the framing of an independent Constitution?
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Which political party rejected the Cripps Proposals and wanted India to be divided into two autonomous states?
Which political party rejected the Cripps Proposals and wanted India to be divided into two autonomous states?
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'August Offer' of 1940 was related to the acceptance of which demand by the British Government?
'August Offer' of 1940 was related to the acceptance of which demand by the British Government?
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Study Notes
Critics of the Constituent Assembly
- Critics claimed the Constituent Assembly lacked representation, as it did not reflect the societal demographics of India, particularly regarding regional and communal diversity.
- There were arguments that the Assembly was not sovereign because it was established under the British Government, limiting its authority and independence.
Naziruddin Ahmed's View
- Naziruddin Ahmed characterized the Drafting Committee as a 'Drifting Committee' due to perceived indecisiveness and lack of a clear direction in drafting the Constitution.
Dominance in the Constituent Assembly
- Granville Austin identified the Indian National Congress (INC) as the dominant party within the Constituent Assembly, shaping its overall agenda and decisions.
Membership Composition
- Critics noted a predominance of lawyers among the members of the Constituent Assembly, suggesting that legal professionals dominated its composition.
Proposal of Constituent Assembly
- The idea of a Constituent Assembly for India was first proposed in 1934 by the Indian National Congress.
INC's Demand for Constituent Assembly
- The Indian National Congress officially demanded a Constituent Assembly for the first time in 1935 during the Round Table Conference discussions.
Declaration on Adult Franchise
- In 1938, Sarojini Naidu declared that 'the Constitution of free India must be framed by a Constituent Assembly elected on the basis of adult franchise.'
Cripps Proposals
- In 1942, British Member of the Cabinet Stafford Cripps came to India with draft proposals aimed at framing an independent Constitution.
Rejection of Cripps Proposals
- The All India Muslim League rejected the Cripps Proposals, advocating for the division of India into two autonomous states instead.
August Offer
- The 'August Offer' of 1940 was related to the British Government's acceptance of the demand for a Constituent Assembly, reflecting a shift in their policy towards Indian self-governance.
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Description
Explore the various criticisms faced by the Constituent Assembly of India, including challenges regarding its representation and sovereignty. Learn about the arguments put forth by critics against the Assembly's legitimacy and authority.