**The Rowlatt Act: Introduction**

The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a legislative measure passed by the British colonial government in India. It was named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, the chairman of the committee that drafted the act. Enacted on March 18, 1919, the act granted extraordinary powers to the British authorities to suppress political dissent and curtail civil liberties in India.

**Reasons for the Rowlatt Act**

1. **Fear of Revolutionary Activities**: The primary motivation behind the Rowlatt Act was the British government's fear of revolutionary activities in India. This fear was heightened by the events of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the subsequent rise of nationalism and anti-colonial sentiments among Indians.

2. **Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and Political Unrest**: The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 aimed at introducing limited self-government in India, which increased political consciousness and demands for greater autonomy. The British government, concerned about potential unrest and anti-British movements, sought to suppress any form of dissent.

**Provisions of the Rowlatt Act**

1. **Indefinite Detention without Trial**: The act allowed for the arrest and detention of any person suspected of engaging in revolutionary activities, without trial, for an indefinite period.

2. **Curbs on Press and Speech**: It empowered the government to censor and control the press, prohibiting the publication of any material that might be considered seditious or inciteful.

3. **Arrest without Warrant**: The act authorized the arrest of individuals without a warrant and granted the authorities the power to conduct searches and seize property without judicial oversight.

**Public Reaction and Opposition**

The Rowlatt Act was met with widespread public opposition and outrage throughout India. The Indian National Congress and other nationalist organizations vehemently opposed the act, viewing it as a grave violation of civil liberties and an attempt to stifle political dissent.

**Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Aftermath**

The enactment of the Rowlatt Act further fueled the anti-British sentiment, leading to widespread protests and civil unrest. The most tragic consequence of this unrest was the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in April 1919, where British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of Indians, resulting in hundreds of casualties.

**Conclusion**

The Rowlatt Act was passed primarily due to the British government's fear of revolutionary activities and the rising tide of nationalism in India. However, it was met with strong opposition from the Indian public, leading to widespread protests and ultimately contributing to the growth of the independence movement in India.

To decrease the effect of satyagarah movement in citizens of India because satyagarah movement had taken place in hearts of Hindu and muslim both.