The Indian national leaders had been continuously demanding constitutional reforms since 1919 when the Montague-Chelmesford Reform (1919) was introduced by the British government.

The demand for reforms was made in view of the fact that the Act of 1919 fell far short of the aspirations of the Indian people.

Moreover, the Conservative government of Britain feared a defeat in the election scheduled to be held shortly.

Under the circumstances the Conservative government of Britain thought it prudent to open the issue of introducing reforms in India by appointing a commission.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

And hence the appointment of the Simon Commission. In the Commission headed by Simon all members were appointed from amongst the British Parliamentarians.

No Indian was included in the Commission as a member. Thus a strong anti-Simon Commission attitude gripped the country.