With reference to cabinet mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It recommended a federal government.

2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.

3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS

Select the correct Answer using the code given below:

The correct option is 1 only.

Let us analyze the statements with reference to the Cabinet Mission of 1946 step-by-step:

1. Recommendation of a federal government:
The Cabinet Mission proposed a three-tier federal structure for India. It recommended a Union of India (comprising both British India and the Princely States) that would deal with key subjects such as Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Communications. All other residuary powers and subjects were to vest in the Provinces. Thus, Statement 1 is correct.

2. Enlargement of the powers of the Indian courts:
The Cabinet Mission Plan focused primarily on resolving the constitutional deadlock and outlining a framework for the transfer of power, the creation of a Constituent Assembly, and the formation of an interim government. It did not contain any recommendations or provisions to enlarge the jurisdiction or powers of the Indian courts. Thus, Statement 2 is incorrect.

3. Provision for more Indians in the ICS:
While the Indianisation of the civil services was an ongoing administrative trend and demand, the Cabinet Mission Plan did not specifically focus on or provide recommendations for increasing the number of Indians in the Indian Civil Services (ICS). Its mandate was strictly constitutional and political. Thus, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Since only the first statement is correct, the correct code selection is 1 only.