When was the Rowlatt Act passed?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

Patna High Court Mazdoor Official Paper (Held On: 22 Jun, 2025)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 1919.

Key Points

The Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919 by the Imperial Legislative Council of British India.
It was officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919.
The act allowed the British government to detain individuals suspected of revolutionary activities without trial for up to two years.
This act curtailed civil liberties, including the right to a free trial, which led to widespread protests across India.
The passage of the Rowlatt Act was a major reason for Mahatma Gandhi launching the non-cooperation movement in the early 1920s.

Additional Information

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:
- The Rowlatt Act led to the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, where General Dyer ordered troops to open fire on unarmed protesters in Amritsar, killing hundreds.
Rowlatt Satyagraha:
- Mahatma Gandhi started the Rowlatt Satyagraha in response to this act, urging Indians to engage in non-violent protests.
Impact on Indian National Movement:
- The act and subsequent events marked a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle, uniting Indians across regions and religions against British rule.
Discontent among Indians:
- Indian leaders, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, opposed the act, calling it a blatant violation of civil rights and freedom.