SIMON COMMISSION
The Simon Commission was a British parliamentary committee appointed in 1927 to review
the working of the Government of India Act, 1919, and recommend constitutional reforms. It
was led by Sir John Simon and included seven British members, but no Indian members,
which caused widespread resentment across India.
The commission’s arrival sparked nationwide protests, as Indians demanded participation in
constitutional reforms and opposed the exclusion of Indian representatives.
2. Objectives of the Simon Commission
Review the Government of India Act, 1919, and its implementation.
Suggest reforms to improve governance and administration in India.
Assess the political situation in India under British colonial rule.
Although the commission claimed to study Indian problems, its composition ignored Indian
aspirations, making it highly controversial.
3. Reactions in India
The commission faced strong opposition from political parties, leaders, and the public.
Indian National Congress, Muslim League, and other organizations declared a complete
boycott of the commission.
Slogans like “Simon Go Back” became popular during protests.
Nationwide demonstrations, strikes, and petitions were organized to reject the commission’s
legitimacy.
The exclusion of Indians united political groups across regions and religions against British
policies.
4. Key Leaders and Participants
Mahatma Gandhi: Advocated peaceful resistance and criticized the commission.
Jawaharlal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal: Actively led protests and mobilized
public opinion.
Lala Lajpat Rai: Played a leading role in protests in Punjab; suffered fatal injuries during a
police baton charge.
Indian National Congress: Officially boycotted the commission and organized mass
demonstrations.
Other Leaders: Leaders from Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, and regional parties also
protested.
5. Major Events
Arrival of the Commission (1928): Met with protests in major cities.
Lahore Protest: Lala Lajpat Rai led a march against the commission, attacked by police,
later succumbing to injuries.
The Simon Commission was a British parliamentary committee appointed in 1927 to review
the working of the Government of India Act, 1919, and recommend constitutional reforms. It
was led by Sir John Simon and included seven British members, but no Indian members,
which caused widespread resentment across India.
The commission’s arrival sparked nationwide protests, as Indians demanded participation in
constitutional reforms and opposed the exclusion of Indian representatives.
2. Objectives of the Simon Commission
Review the Government of India Act, 1919, and its implementation.
Suggest reforms to improve governance and administration in India.
Assess the political situation in India under British colonial rule.
Although the commission claimed to study Indian problems, its composition ignored Indian
aspirations, making it highly controversial.
3. Reactions in India
The commission faced strong opposition from political parties, leaders, and the public.
Indian National Congress, Muslim League, and other organizations declared a complete
boycott of the commission.
Slogans like “Simon Go Back” became popular during protests.
Nationwide demonstrations, strikes, and petitions were organized to reject the commission’s
legitimacy.
The exclusion of Indians united political groups across regions and religions against British
policies.
4. Key Leaders and Participants
Mahatma Gandhi: Advocated peaceful resistance and criticized the commission.
Jawaharlal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal: Actively led protests and mobilized
public opinion.
Lala Lajpat Rai: Played a leading role in protests in Punjab; suffered fatal injuries during a
police baton charge.
Indian National Congress: Officially boycotted the commission and organized mass
demonstrations.
Other Leaders: Leaders from Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, and regional parties also
protested.
5. Major Events
Arrival of the Commission (1928): Met with protests in major cities.
Lahore Protest: Lala Lajpat Rai led a march against the commission, attacked by police,
later succumbing to injuries.
