Question

Discuss About The Rowlatt Act

Answer 1

In the year of 1919 the British government passed a law called the 'Rowlatt Act'. This law stated that British government could put any individual accused of any criminal activity in jail without a fair trial. The act also prevented the press from printing any form of news. This law allowed the government to arrest Indians without an arrest warrant. Indians were angered by this new law, and decided to protest. The people were angered by this new rule, and therefore began a 'hartal', in which a party of people don't do any work, and fast. Gandhi like many other congressional leaders did not accept this law, and protested in the 'hartal' with other people. A public meeting was held in Jallinanawalla Bhag on 13th April as a protest for two arrested leaders three days ago. The meeting started out as peaceful but then the Brigadier General Reginald arrived with his British Troops and asked them to fire at people unexpectedly. Within the course of ten minutes, more than ten thousand Indians were dead, and many were wounded.

Answer 2

In 1919 a new Act was passed by the British government to give themselves greater power over the people of India. This Act was called the Rowlatt Act and was named after the Rowlatt Commission who had sent recommendations to the Imperial Legislative Council. The Act was also known as the “Black Act” or “Black Bill” by the Indians who protested it. This law was strongly opposed by the people of India because it gave the British government even more authority over them. This new Act allowed the British to arrest and jail anyone the wish without trial if they are thought to be plotting against the British. The Viceroy Government also had the power to silence the press with this new Act which which lead to a call to revolt in the form of a Hartal.