Question

Describe the background for the formation of the Justice Party and point out its contribution to the cause of social justice.

Answer 1

It was the period of World War I. The British government thought to introduce representative institutions for Indians after the war. Fearing that such political reforms would further strengthen the political power of Brahmins, educated non-Brahmins decided to organize themselves politically. So, in 1916, some prominent non-Brahmin leaders came together from South Indian Liberation Federation (SILF). It later came to be known as the Justice Party. It was a political party in the Madras Presidency of British India.

Contribution of the Justice Party to the cause of social justice:-

The Justice Party government widened education and employment opportunities for the majority of the population and created space for them in the political sphere. The Justices removed the legal hindrances restricting inter-caste marriages and broke the barriers that prevented Adi Dravidars from the use of public wells and tanks. In 1921, the Madras legislature under the Justice Party government was the first to approve participators of women in the electoral politics.

Answer 2

1. As World War I was in progress the British Government was considering the introduction of representative institutions for Indians after the War.
2. Fearing that such political reforms would further strengthen the political power of Brahmins, educated Non-Brahmins decided to organise themselves politically.
3. On 20th, November 1916 around 30 prominent Non-Brahmin leaders including Dr. C. Natesanar Sir, Pitti Theyagarayar, T. M. Nair, and Alamelu Mangai Thayarammal came together to form the South Indian Liberation Federation (SILF).

Programmes and Activities:-

1. The Justice Party is the fountain head of the Non-Brahmin Movement in the country.
2. The Justice removed the legal hindrances restricting inter-caste marriages and broke the barriers that prevented Depressed Classes from the use of public wells and tanks.
3. Hostels were established for the students belonging to this social group in 1923.
4. The Justice Party Government was the first to approve participation of women in the electoral politics in (1921).
5. The Justice Party worked towards legislating provisions for communal representation reservations for various communities.
6. The Justice Party rule established the Staff Selection Board in 1924 for the selection of Government officials and encouraged all the communities to share the administrative powers.
7. In 1929, the Government of British India adopted the pattern and established the Public Service Commission.
8. The Justice Party introduced the Hindu Religious Endowment (HRE) Act in 1926 and enabled any individual, irrespective of their caste affiliation, to become a member of the temple committee and govern the resources of the religious institutions.