Rowlatt Act in Simple Words
The Rowlatt Act, passed by the British government in March 1919, was a law that gave them the power to arrest and imprison anyone in India without any trial or proper investigation. In simple words, it allowed the British to treat innocent Indians like criminals without even proving their guilt in court. This law was officially called the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, but it became widely known as the Rowlatt Act, named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, the judge who recommended it.
What was the purpose of the Rowlatt Act?
The main purpose of the Rowlatt Act was to control and crush the growing nationalist movements in India. After World War I, Indians had started demanding more freedom and self-rule. The British feared that these movements might turn into revolutions. So, to stop people from speaking out or organizing protests, they introduced the Rowlatt Act, which allowed them to keep people in jail without any proof, warrant, or trial, for up to two years. It also banned newspapers from printing anything against the British and made it illegal to gather in large groups for protests.
This act was deeply unfair and against the basic principles of justice. It created anger and fear among Indians. Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed the act and started a nationwide peaceful protest called Satyagraha. One of the most heartbreaking results of the Rowlatt Act was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where hundreds of innocent Indians were killed while peacefully protesting against the act in Amritsar on April 13, 1919. The Rowlatt Act played a crucial role in uniting Indians against British rule and became a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle. It exposed the real face of British policies and made people realize that the British had no intention of giving India independence.
Important Points about the Rowlatt Act
1. Official Name: Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919
2. Popularly Known As: Rowlatt Act (named after Justice Sidney Rowlatt)
3. Year Passed: March 1919
4. By: British Government in India
5. Purpose: To suppress growing nationalist and revolutionary activities
6. Main Features:
Trial without jury (बिना जूरी के मुकदमा)
Arrest without warrant (बिना वारंट गिरफ्तारी)
Detention without trial for up to 2 years
Restriction on press freedom
Ban on public gatherings
7.Massive Opposition: All Indian leaders and public opposed it
8. Result: Sparked nationwide protests and Jallianwala Bagh massacre
9. Repealed: Due to heavy opposition, some parts were later withdrawn
Key Provisions of the Act
1 No need for evidence to arrest a person suspected of being anti
British.
2.People could be jailed for 2 years without any trial.
3.Suspects could be denied a lawyer during their imprisonment.
4 Trials could be conducted in secrecy, and judges could make decisions without a jury.
5.Freedom of press and speech was restricted, newspapers were censored.
6.Public meetings and rallies could be banned under suspicion of rebellion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Rowlatt Act in simple words?
The Rowlatt Act was a British law that allowed arrest and imprisonment of Indians without trial or evidence, aiming to stop freedom movements.
2. What was the main purpose of the Rowlatt Act?
Its main purpose was to crush political protests and prevent revolutionaries from rising against British rule.
3. Why was the Rowlatt Act opposed by Indians?
Because it was unfair, undemocratic, and cruel—people could be jailed without reason, and freedom of speech was suppressed.
4. Who started protest against Rowlatt Act?
Mahatma Gandhi led the protest through Satyagraha movement.
5. What incident happened as a result of Rowlatt Act?
The peaceful protest against Rowlatt Act led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, where British forces killed hundreds.
6. Was the Rowlatt Act ever repealed?
Yes, due to massive resistance and outrage, many of its provisions were withdrawn later.
