The correct option is 1928.
Explanation
The demand for a "Bill of Rights" in India traces its origins to the freedom struggle, where Indian leaders sought constitutional guarantees against the arbitrary exercise of power by the colonial government. The Motilal Nehru Committee was a significant step in this direction, formed to draft a constitutional framework for India.Historical Analysis:
- 1928 (Correct): The Motilal Nehru Committee was appointed in 1928 by the All Parties Conference to determine the principles of the Constitution for India. The resulting Nehru Report (1928) explicitly demanded a Bill of Rights for the people of India. It emphasized that the first care of the authors of the constitution should be to secure the fundamental rights of the people. This report is considered the precursor to the Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution of India.
- 1919: This year marks the enactment of the Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms), which introduced dyarchy in provinces but did not include a Bill of Rights.
- 1935: The Government of India Act, 1935, was a comprehensive constitutional document but notably rejected the inclusion of a Bill of Rights, as the British Parliament opposed limiting legislative power.
- 1947: This year marks the enactment of the Indian Independence Act, which transferred power to the Constituent Assembly but was not the origin of the demand for the Bill of Rights.
Key Takeaway:
The Nehru Report of 1928 was the first major attempt by Indians to draft a constitutional framework and explicitly demanded a Bill of Rights, laying the foundation for the Fundamental Rights in the 1950 Constitution.