Discuss the main clauses of the Indian Independence Act of 1947.

The main clauses of the Indian Independence Act of 1947 are given below:

1. Two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, were to be established on 15th August 1947; Pakistan included Sindh, Baluchistan, NWFP, West Punjab, and East Bengal, while the rest formed India.
2. The British Government would have no control over the dominions and transfer all powers to their assemblies.
3. The Viceroy’s office was abolished and replaced by separate Governor-Generals: Lord Mountbatten for India and Muhammad Ali Jinnah for Pakistan.
4. The Constituent Assemblies of both dominions would frame their constitutions and decide on British Commonwealth membership.
5. Each Constituent Assembly would exercise the powers of the Central Legislature.
6. The legislatures of the new dominions had full law-making powers.
7. The right of the king to veto laws was given up. This right was given to the Governor-General.
8. Until new constitutions were framed, dominions and provinces would follow the Act of 1935.
9. Princely states could join either dominion or remain independent.
10. The Governor-General was given the powers to modify or adopt the Government of India Act, 1935 by March 31, 1948.
11. The office of the Secretary of State for India was abolished.
12. Agreements with the tribes of the NWFP were to be negotiated by the Dominion concerned.