Question

Why were Indians outraged by the Rowlatt Act ?

Answer 1

• They had hoped that after the war their hardships would be over and the government would take steps to improve their condition.
• On the other hand, the government got the Rowlatt Act passed in the Imperial Legislative Council against the united opposition of the Indian members.
• The Act gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities. It allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
• These provisions meant the suspension of two principles of justice – trial by jury and habeas corpus – the rights safeguarding against illegal imprisonment.
• The Rowlatt Act was considered as Black Law and the Indians under the leadership of Gandhi decided to oppose it by non-violent civil disobedience which would start with a hartal on 6 April.

Answer 2

Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act due to the following reasons:

1. This act was hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council, even though it was completely opposed by Indian members.

2 It had given the Government enormous powers to repress political activities.

3.It also permitted the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.