Question

Explain why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act.

Answer 1

The Rowlatt Act was passed hurriedly through the Imperial Legislative Council despite opposition from Indian members. It gave the government autocratic powers to repress political activities, besides allowing it to detain political prisoners without a trial, for two years. The Indian were outraged by this act as it was clearly undemocratic and oppressive, and hurt national sentiments and dignity.

Answer 2

1. The Rowlatt Act was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council based on a report from the Sedition Committee, which was led by Justice Rowlatt.
2. The Black Act allowed the government and police to crush political activities and permitted political detainees to be detained without trial for two years.
3. The Act was passed against the unanimous opposition of the Indian members of the Council. This Act was one of the factors that prompted Gandhiji to initiate the Non-Cooperation Movement.