India and Pakistan were created as two independent states through the enactment of The Indian Independence Act, 1947. This historic legislation was passed by the British Parliament and received royal assent on 18th July 1947. It marked the legal and constitutional framework for the partition of British India into two sovereign dominions — India and Pakistan — effective from 15th August 1947.
Key Provisions of the Indian Independence Act:
- The Act declared that from 15th August 1947, two new independent dominions, India and Pakistan, would be established.
- It granted full legislative authority to both dominions, meaning that they were free to frame and adopt their own constitutions.
- The British Crown’s suzerainty over the princely states was terminated, and these states were allowed to accede to either India or Pakistan.
- The office of the Viceroy was abolished and replaced by the office of the Governor-General in both dominions.
The Indian Independence Act played a crucial role in shaping the political destiny of South Asia. It formally ended British colonial rule and laid the foundation for the creation of two separate nations based on religious and political considerations.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is The Indian Independence Act, which served as the legal instrument for the partition of India and the creation of India and Pakistan as independent states.