Previous Year Question
Which of the following was an example of the ultimate authority of the British Government under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935?
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced Provincial Autonomy and abolished dyarchy at the provincial level. However, this autonomy was not absolute because Provincial Governors were given extensive discretionary powers and Special Responsibilities.
Section 52 of the Act expressly provided for the special responsibilities of a Governor. These included preventing any grave menace to the peace or tranquillity of the province or any part thereof, safeguarding the legitimate interests of minorities, and acting on individual judgment in certain specified matters. Thus, despite the existence of elected provincial ministries, the Governor retained significant constitutional control.
Therefore, the special powers granted to the Governors were an important example of the continuing British control over provincial administration.