In British India, which one among the following Acts permitted detention without trial for up to two years ?

The correct answer is Rowlatt Act, 1919.

Key Points

• The Rowlatt Act of 1919, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, authorized the government to detain individuals without trial for a maximum period of two years.
• This act was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council during the Viceroyalty of Lord Chelmsford.
• The act aimed to curb revolutionary activities and maintain order in British India following World War I.
• It allowed for the arrest of individuals suspected of sedition without requiring any formal trial or evidence.
• The act faced widespread opposition, including the launching of nationwide protests led by Mahatma Gandhi, which culminated in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April 1919.

Additional Information

• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: On 13th April 1919, General Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. This incident intensified the opposition to the Rowlatt Act.
• Gandhi's Role: Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Rowlatt Satyagraha in response to the act, marking one of the first nationwide protests against British rule.
• Sedition in British India: The act was part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and revolutionary activities, particularly against organizations like the Ghadar Party and other freedom movements.
• Repeal of the Act: The widespread protests and opposition eventually led to the act becoming largely ineffective, although it was never formally repealed during British rule.
• Historical Significance: The Rowlatt Act and the subsequent protests highlighted the growing demand for self-rule and the increasing discontent with British colonial policies.