Q14.Did the Government of India Act, of 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.

The Government of India Act, 1935, proposed an All-India Federation. While it introduced federal elements, its structure and implementation revealed strong centralizing tendencies, questioning its true federal nature.

Features Suggesting Federalism

• Division of powers between Centre and provinces via Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent Lists.
• Granted provincial autonomy, allowing provinces to administer specific subjects.

Unitary Biases and Limitations

• Governor-General held overriding powers, including veto and control over defence and external affairs.
• Residuary powers were vested in the Governor-General, not the provinces.
• Provincial autonomy was limited by Governors' discretionary powers, acting as central agents.
• The All-India Federation never fully materialized due to princely states' non-accession.

Thus, the Act was largely 'quasi-federal' or 'federal in form but unitary in spirit', marked by a dominant central authority and restricted provincial independence.