G. V. Mavalankar abandoned his profession as lawyer to participate in India’s freedom struggle. He joined the Non- Cooperation Movement in 1921. An honorary professor of the Gujarat Vidyapeeth, he participated in all the major Congress activities. His role in the Salt Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement earned him the wrath of the British who confined him to the prison.
Even in jail he did not give up working for the country. He began the task of reforming hardened criminals. He was made the President of the Ahmadabad Municipality. In 1937, he was elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly and made its Speaker. He was made the President of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1946. In free India, he was appointed the Speaker of the Lower House in Parliament.