The Rowlatt Act of 1919, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, was passed by the British government to curb revolutionary activities in India. It was widely opposed by Indians because it violated basic civil rights and gave extraordinary powers to the government.
Background
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After the First World War, revolutionary activities in Bengal and Punjab worried the British.
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A committee under Justice Rowlatt was set up in 1918 to suggest measures against revolutionary crimes.
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Based on its recommendations, the Rowlatt Act was passed in March 1919 despite strong opposition from Indian leaders.
Provisions of the Act
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Allowed the government to arrest and detain individuals without trial for up to 2 years.
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Political cases could be tried without juries.
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Press restrictions and censorship were strengthened.
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Police powers of search and seizure were widened.
Indian Response
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Indian leaders condemned it as a “Black Act” for violating civil rights.
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All Indian members of the Imperial Legislative Council opposed it, including Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who resigned in protest.
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Mahatma Gandhi launched his first all-India agitation — the Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919), calling for hartals, strikes, and peaceful protests.
Consequences
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The nationwide agitation united people across regions and communities, but it also led to violence in some places.
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The government responded with repression and martial law, especially in Punjab.
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The movement culminated in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919), which shocked the entire nation.
Significance
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Marked the beginning of Gandhi’s leadership at the national level.
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Transformed Indian politics from petitions and reforms to mass struggle.
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Deepened distrust between Indians and the British government.
Key Takeaway
The Rowlatt Act (1919) was a repressive law that denied basic freedoms and triggered India’s first mass movement under Gandhi, leading to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the start of the Gandhian Era in the freedom struggle.