Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla: A Forgotten Architect of India’s Constitution

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 15 March 2025 Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla Was Assam’s First Premier And The Only Muslim League Member In India’s Constitution Drafting Committee. A Lawyer And Politician, He Championed Minority Rights, Regional Autonomy, And Assam’s Financial Stability. Despite His League Ties, He Contributed To India’s Constitution, Leaving A Largely Unsung Yet Significant Legacy Main Points: 1. First Premier of Assam (1937–1946): Led Assam’s government under British rule, implementing key policies like the Line System. 2. Member of Drafting Committee: The only Muslim League representative in India's Constitution Drafting Committee. 3. Advocate for Minority Rights: Focused on religious freedom and regional autonomy. 4. Legal and Political Expertise: A lawyer and experienced administrator. 5. Muslim League Leader: Played a role in the Lahore Resolution but remained in India. 6. Unsung Legacy: Despite his contributions, he remains largely forgotten in history. ------ (Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla) ------ Introduction Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla KCIE (21 May 1885 – 8 January 1955) was a distinguished politician, jurist, and statesman who played a crucial role in shaping modern India. As the first Premier of Assam in British India (1937–1946), a prominent leader of the All India Muslim League, and the only Muslim member of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, Saadulla's contributions remain largely unrecognised. His political career spanned several decades, during which he navigated the complexities of British rule, the independence movement, and the turbulent years leading to partition. While many of his contemporaries found their place in history books, Saadulla’s legacy remains overshadowed. This article explores his multifaceted contributions to India’s constitutional development, politics, and governance. The Constituent Assembly and Drafting of the Indian Constitution: Following India's independence, the Constituent Assembly was formed on 9 December 1946 to draft the Constitution. Although the Muslim League boycotted its initial meetings, 28 of its members eventually attended the proceedings. Among them, Syed Muhammad Saadulla was the only League member selected for the prestigious Drafting Committee, chaired by Dr BR Ambedkar. As a lawyer and an experienced administrator, Saadulla brought legal acumen and governance expertise to the drafting process. His primary contributions included: -Minority Rights: Advocating safeguards for religious and linguistic minorities, ensuring their protection under the new constitutional framework. -Religious Freedom: Participating in debates on fundamental rights, particularly focusing on ensuring equal protection under the law for all communities. -Regional Autonomy: Representing Assam’s interests, he highlighted concerns related to land rights and financial stability. On 22 November 1949, the Constituent Assembly passed the 'Constitution of India', and on 26 January 1950, it officially came into effect, laying the foundation of the Republic of India. Political Career and Leadership in Assam Saadulla’s political journey began in Assam, where he quickly rose to prominence. In 1924, he accepted an offer from the Governor of Assam to join his Executive Council as a Minister. His tenure was marked by commitment and administrative skill, but personal tragedy struck when his wife passed away in childbirth later that year. Despite this immense loss, Saadulla remained dedicated to his public service. He was re-elected in 1926 and was knighted in 1928 in recognition of his contributions. The following years saw him navigating the complex politics of British India. In 1935, he was offered a judgeship in the Calcutta High Court but was ineligible due to lack of ten years of continuous bar practice. Instead, he was appointed as a Government Pleader, but the pull of politics brought him back to Assam. Premier of Assam (1937–1946) In 1937, under the Government of India Act, provincial elections were held, and Saadulla was elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly. He formed a coalition government and became the first Premier of Assam. His tenure, spread across multiple terms (1937–1938, 1939–1941, 1942–1946), was marked by significant policy decisions: -Land Settlement Policy: Implementing the controversial "Line System" to encourage migration from East Bengal, a move driven by British revenue policies. -Economic and Administrative Reforms: Strengthening Assam’s financial and administrative framework to ensure stability. -War Efforts: Supporting the British war strategy during World War II while balancing local governance challenges. His close association with Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, the Premier of Punjab, further strengthened his political standing. However, he remained pragmatic, choosing to serve in the Constituent Assembly rather than supporting partition. Role in the Muslim League and Independence Movement, While deeply involved in the Muslim League, Saadulla’s approach was more moderate than that of leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He participated in the drafting of the Lahore Resolution (1940), which later formed the basis for Pakistan's creation. However, unlike many League leaders, he did not migrate to Pakistan and instead chose to contribute to India’s constitutional process. His inclusion in the Drafting Committee is significant, as it ensured that a Muslim League voice was present in shaping independent India’s legal framework. Despite his political affiliations, he worked towards an inclusive and democratic Constitution. Later Years and Legacy After India gained independence, Saadulla continued to serve in public life. However, by 1951, his health began deteriorating, and he gradually withdrew from politics. He spent his later years in social service and was known for his generosity. In his final days, he moved to the plains to escape Shillong’s cold weather. On 8 January 1955, he passed away in Guwahati, his birthplace. In Conclusion, Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla was a statesman of great intellect and integrity. His contributions to India’s political landscape and constitutional development deserve greater recognition. As the only Muslim League member in the Drafting Committee, he played a crucial role in shaping India's legal and administrative framework. Despite being knighted and holding high political office, his legacy remains underexplored. In the annals of Indian history, Saadulla stands as a testament to the diverse voices that contributed to the making of modern India. His story is a reminder that the foundation of the Indian Republic was laid by individuals from various backgrounds, committed to building a just and inclusive nation. 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