Its main objective was to find out ways and means of a negotiated, peaceful transfer of power in India. Lord Wavell was the viceroy of India, when Cabinet Mission was constituted (Feb.1946).
The Mission rejected the demand for a full-fledged Pakistan (Comprising the whole of all the Muslim majority areas).
The Mission reasoned that the right of communal self-determination, if conceded to Muslims, also had to be granted to non-Muslims who formed majorities in West Bengal and Eastern Punjab, as well as in Assam proper. The truncated or smaller Pakistan was unacceptable to the League.
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The Plan proposed:
1. Rejection of the demand for a full-fledged Pakistan.
2. There was to be a federation of the provinces and the states with the federal centre controlling only Defence, foreign affairs and communications.
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3. The individual provinces could form three regional groups/unions/ sections- A, B & C while election to the Constituent Assembly. All these sections would have the authority to draw up provincial constitutions and even group constitutions.
Section A:
Non-Muslim Majority Provinces (Bombay, United Provinces, Bihar, Central Provinces, Orissa, Madras)
Section B:
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Muslim majority provinces in the North-West (Sindh, NWFP & Punjab)
Section C:
Muslim majority provinces in North-east (Bengal, Assam)
4. After the first general election provinces could come out of a group. After 10 years a province could call for a reconsideration of the group/union constitution.
5. An interim government enjoying the support of the major political parties shall be formed as early as possible, which will convene a Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution of India.
6. British paramountcy over Indian native states shall lapse after the transfer of power.