The correct option is (c) 1 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 the body responsible for drafting the Constitution of independent India.Statement 1 is Correct: The elections to the Constituent Assembly (specifically for the 296 seats allotted to the British Indian Provinces) were held in July–August 1946. The results were declared shortly thereafter, leading to the formation of the Assembly.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The members of the Constituent Assembly were not elected directly by the people of India on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise. Instead, they were elected indirectly by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies. The method used was proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The franchise for the Provincial Assemblies themselves was limited, based on tax, property, and education.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Assembly was numerically dominated by the Indian National Congress. In the elections for the 296 seats allocated to British India, the Congress won 208 seats, while the Muslim League won 73 seats, and the remaining 15 went to small groups and independents. This composition led scholars like Granville Austin to remark that the Assembly was essentially a one-party body.
Key Takeaway: The Constituent Assembly was formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan through indirect elections by Provincial Legislative Assemblies and was not based on Universal Adult Franchise.