Rowlatt Act [1919] – Provisions, Controversy, Reaction | UPSC State PSC Notes

Rowlatt Committee

Act Provisions

• Empowerment of Authorities:
  • The Rowlatt Act empowered the British government to arrest and detain individuals suspected of engaging in revolutionary activities without trial.
  • It gave the authorities the power to detain suspects for an indefinite period, effectively suspending the right to habeas corpus.
• No Right to Legal Representation:
  • The act suspended the right of individuals to seek legal counsel or defend themselves in court.
  • Suspects could be detained without being informed of the charges against them.
• Suppression of Civil Liberties:
  • The act authorized the colonial government to curb freedom of speech, assembly, and association, thereby suppressing civil liberties in India.
  • It granted the authorities the power to prohibit public gatherings and censor publications deemed subversive or seditious.
• Creation of Special Tribunals:
  • The act established special tribunals, known as Sedition Tribunals, to try cases related to sedition and revolutionary activities.
  • These tribunals operated outside the regular judicial system and were composed of British officials, making them susceptible to bias and abuse of power.
• Applicability to the Entire Country:
  • The Rowlatt Act was applicable to the entire territory of British India, extending its provisions across the subcontinent.
• Penalties for Violations:
  • The act imposed severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for anyone found guilty of violating its provisions.
  • Individuals convicted under the Rowlatt Act faced harsh punishment, reinforcing the government’s authoritarian control over the population.

Controversy

• Violation of Civil Liberties: The act was widely criticized for its severe curtailment of civil liberties, effectively allowing the British government to suppress political dissent without due process.
• Anti-Indian Sentiment: Indians viewed the act as a betrayal of the promises made by the British government regarding political reforms after the war.
• Unilateral Action: The act was passed without consultation with Indian leaders, further exacerbating resentment among the Indian population.

Reaction

• Protests and Strikes: The Rowlatt Act triggered widespread protests, strikes, and civil disobedience across India, led by prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi.
• Non-Cooperation Movement: Gandhi, along with other leaders, launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in response to the act, advocating for nonviolent resistance against British rule.
• Public Outcry: The act galvanized public opinion against British rule, leading to increased unity and mobilization among Indians.

Aftermath

• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The most infamous consequence of the Rowlatt Act was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar on April 13, 1919, where British troops opened fire on unarmed civilians, killing hundreds.
• Intensified Struggle for Independence: The Rowlatt Act and its aftermath intensified the Indian independence movement, leading to increased demands for self-rule and eventual independence from British colonial rule.
• Legislative Repeal: The act was eventually repealed in 1922, but its legacy continued to fuel the Indian nationalist movement, contributing to the eventual achievement of independence in 1947.

The Rowlatt Act was a highly controversial piece of legislation that severely restricted civil liberties in India, leading to widespread protests, the emergence of the Non-Cooperation Movement, and ultimately, contributing to the momentum of the Indian independence movement.

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