representation; the rest, divided into two groups, returned
representatives either by rotation or jointly, as laid down in the Act.
• Procedure for the selection of members for seats assigned for the
States was left to the Ruler or Rulers concerned: it was hoped, though,
that a system of popular election would be devised.
Representation of British India In the case of British India, the allocation
of seats among the provinces in respect of both houses was on the basis of
population.
• Representation of communal and special interests was on familiar
lines, with Muslims claiming one-third of British Indian seats.
• It was hoped that a convention would develop, to the satisfaction of
different communities, regarding the composition of representatives
from the States in the legislature.
• British India members of the upper house were to be returned in
general, by direct election through territorial constituencies, while
those of the lower house were to be returned, by direct election—
through electoral colleges composed of members of the provincial
legislatures.
• In other words, members of those communities – general, Muslim and
Sikh – who were also members of the provincial legislative
assemblies, would elect them on the basis of a single transferable
vote.
Strength of the Lower House The lower house would have a maximum of
375 members – 250 from British India and 125 from the Indian States,
thereby giving the latter, one-third representation with a population that was
barely one-fourth of the total. Of the membership from British India, 3
represented commerce and industry and 1, labour. The term of the house was
5 years.
Strength of the Upper House The upper house was to consist of 260
members – 156 from British India and 104 from the Indian States, thereby
giving the latter over 40 per cent representation. Of the members from British
India, the distribution was: 7 Europeans, 1 Anglo-Indian, 2 Indian Christians
and 6 nominated by the Governor General in his discretion, with the rest
distributed among the provinces. It was a permanent body, with a third of its