The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 173
[ 173 ] Government are likely to be Hindus, the arrangement would virtually bring all the Indian High Courts under the influence of the Hindus. There is, however, no objec tion to the Supreme Court being directly under the Gov ernor-General. Apart from these questions which have special rela-· tion to the Muslims, there are others of a more general nature that deserve attention from the community. The Compilers of the Nehru-Report, do not appear to have made a deep study of the constitutions, which have been adopted by the New States established after the war. I think a better constitution can be drafted if the matter be given more serious consideration. NATIVE STATES The problem of the Indian States has not yet been solved. The solution preferred by the Nehru Committee is neither sound nor acceptable to the States. The British sovereignty over the States has its basis in their superior power. Under the future constitution of India what would be the justification for one part of India to control another? It is, therefore, necessary to devise some such scheme as, on the one hand, would maintain the unity of India as a whole, and on the other, would prevent one part of the country from being subjected to another. To my mind, the institution of a permanent Imperial Conference in place of the proposed Senate. and the recognition of the internal autonomy of the States with adequate safeguards for the interests of their subjects, would afford a solution of the present problem. The Con. . ference might comprise of the representatives of the pro vinces, of the delegates of the councils and of the States• , and it might deal with inter-provincial affairs and other subjects of all-India importance. The body should be