Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Constituent Assembly of India was constituted in November 1946 under the scheme formulated by the Cabinet Mission Plan. It was a body tasked with drafting the Constitution for independent India, comprising representatives from British Indian Provinces and Princely States.
Statement-wise Analysis
1. Statement 1 is Incorrect
The Constituent Assembly was not elected on the basis of universal adult franchise. Its members were elected indirectly by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies, who themselves were elected on a limited franchise (based on tax, property, and education) under the Government of India Act, 1935. The method used was proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
2. Statement 2 is Correct
Although the Muslim League had initially accepted the Cabinet Mission Plan, they later withdrew their acceptance and boycotted the Constituent Assembly. They refused to attend the first meeting held on December 9, 1946, insisting on a separate state of Pakistan. Consequently, the first session was attended only by 211 members.
3. Statement 3 is Correct
Initially, the Socialists (members of the Congress Socialist Party) and Communists kept away from the Constituent Assembly. They believed that the Assembly was a British creation, formed under British delegation, and therefore lacked the sovereign power to frame a truly independent constitution. They argued that a sovereign Constituent Assembly could only be formed after the transfer of power.
Key Takeaway
The Constituent Assembly was a partly elected and partly nominated body formed through indirect elections based on a restricted franchise, not universal adult suffrage. Its early sessions faced boycotts from the Muslim League and initial non-participation from Socialists.