Q. The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined
(a) the separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature
(b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments
(c) the powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy
(d) None of the above
Ans: (b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments.
The Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced significant constitutional reforms in British India. One of its key objectives was to define and clarify the jurisdictions and powers of the central (imperial) government and the provincial governments.
Under the Act, a clear distinction was made between the subjects under the jurisdiction of the central government and those under the jurisdiction of the provincial governments. The Act expanded the legislative powers of the provincial governments, granting them more autonomy and control over a range of subjects. It introduced the concept of dyarchy, which divided the executive functions between the governor and ministers in certain areas of provincial administration.
While the Government of India Act of 1919 did introduce some limited reforms in other areas, such as expanding the franchise and providing for the establishment of a bicameral legislature, it did not specifically define the separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature. Additionally, it did not define the powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy, as those roles were primarily defined by the British government and the Crown.
Therefore, option (b) correctly identifies that the Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments.
