The Fazl Ali Commission, also known as the States Reorganization Commission, was formed in 1953 to address the demands of different states in India for the reconstitution of states along linguistic lines. The commission was established in response to the popular demand for the formation of states based on common language and culture, which was also sponsored by the Indian National Congress before independence. The commission was headed by Justice Fazl Ali, with K.M. Pannikar and H.N. Kunzru as members.

 

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The Fazl Ali Commission was established in the aftermath of India's independence and the division of states into different types for administrative purposes, which led to problems in administration and a lack of identification with the states among the people. The state of Andhra Pradesh was the first to raise this issue of reconstituting states based on linguistic lines.

 

The idea of reconstituting states based on linguistic lines was problematic because of the fear that it would lead to disunity in the country, especially in the aftermath of the bitter partition of India. Several committees, including the Dhar Committee and the JVP Committee, were established before the Fazl Ali Commission to look into this issue, but they found that the idea of linguistic reorganization was not feasible.

 

The Fazl Ali Commission submitted its report in 1955, and it recommended the formation of linguistic states, with some modifications and safeguards to ensure the unity and integrity of the country. The commission's recommendations were accepted by the government and led to the formation of several linguistic states in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra.