19. CRIPPS MISSION (1942) AND ITS REJECTION

19. CRIPPS MISSION (1942) AND ITS REJECTION

• With Japan's rapid advance in WWII (fall of Singapore, Burma; threat to India's eastern border) and pressure from Allied powers (especially the USA), the British government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India in March 1942 with proposals for constitutional reform.
• Key proposals: Dominion Status for India after the war, an elected Constituent Assembly to frame a new constitution, right for any province to opt out of the Indian Union (a provision seen as encouraging partition), and in the interim, Indian participation in the war effort/executive council but with the Viceroy retaining control of defence.
• Rejected by INC — Gandhi famously called it "a post-dated cheque on a crashing bank"; Congress's main objection was that it did not offer immediate self-government/full independence and only promised future Dominion Status, keeping defence in British hands.
• Rejected by Muslim League too — as it did not clearly guarantee Pakistan.
• Mission failed; convinced Gandhi and Congress that only a decisive mass movement (Quit India) could now force change.

Key Facts / Quick Revision Points — Cripps Mission

• Cripps Mission — March 1942, Sir Stafford Cripps.
• Rejected by both INC and Muslim League.
• Gandhi's quote: "post-dated cheque on a crashing bank."