Indian Statutory Commission 1927 (John Simon)

• appt as per GoI 1919, chaired by John Simon
• provision for constitutional reforms after 10 yrs (due to Montague’s Statement of 1917 (August Declaration))
• appt. 2 yrs earlier due to pressure of pro changers, revolutionaries & rising communism
• No indian in 7 members
  • $\therefore$ against self govt principle of Montague Statement 1917
  • MG hates breach of promise
• SoS Birkenhead challenged Indians (not INC) to draft a constitution of india
  • belief: Indians can’t overcome differences
• 1927 Madras Session: INC rejected Simon Commission & decided to set up APC for drafting Principles of CoI
  • link Basic Structure Doctrine
• Anti Simon Protests Oct 1928 when Simon visited India
  • LL Rai died here in Nov 1928
• Then Lahore Conspiracy Case 1928