What was Rowlatt Act? How did the Indians show their disapproval
towards this act?
Answers
Answer:
In 1919, the Rowlatt Act was passed hurriedly through the Imperial Legislative Council, despite the united opposition of the Indian members.This Act gave the British Government enormous powers to repress political activities.
Answer :
Short note on the Rowlatt Act 1919 :
(i) The Rowlatt Act was passed in March , 1919 .
(ii) It was passed by the Government to "curb the growing upsurge" in the country .
(iii) It was passed as a result of the Bills introduced in the Central Legislature , in February , 1919
(iv) The Rowlatt act implied arrest of a person without warrant.
(v) It allowed camera trial and restricted movements of individuals.
(vi) It suspended the Right to Habeas Corpus.
(vi) It gave the government enormous power to hold political prisoners in detention without trials for two years.
The Rowlatt Act was opposed in the following manner.
i) Gandhiji wanted a civil disobedience campaign against such unjust laws. Thus he organised a satyagrah movement against the Rowlatt Act in Bombay which started with a hartal on 6th, April, 1919. This was also known as the Rowlatt Satyagrah.
ii) Rallies were organised in various cities.
iii) Workers went on strikes in railway workshops.
iv) Shops were closed down.
It was in order to suppress the opposition to the Rowlatt Act by the Indians that the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place. General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the innocent civilians who had gathered from the city of Amritsar and outside to attend a peaceful meeting.