The British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act on July 18, 1947. It came into effect on August 15, 1947, granting independence to India and Pakistan, ending British rule, and shaping the path for their constitutions.

BulletsIn

• Act passed July 18, 1947, with royal assent
• Came into effect August 15, 1947
• Divided British India into India and Pakistan
• Both dominions empowered to frame their own constitutions
• Boundary Commission to divide Punjab, Bengal
• British suzerainty over princely states ended
• Secretary of State for India post abolished
• Governor-General to act on advice of dominion governments
• Constituent Assembly began drafting Indian Constitution
• Repealed later by Indian Constitution (1950) and Pakistan Constitution (1956)