Reasons for Indian opposition to the Rowlatt Act (1919)

The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was enacted by the British government in India, giving the government enormous powers to suppress political activities and arrest people without trial. The act was met with widespread opposition in India, and the Indian National Congress organized a nationwide protest against it. The following are the reasons for Indian opposition to the Rowlatt Act:

Authorized imprisonment without trial
The most significant reason for Indian opposition to the Rowlatt Act was that it authorized the government to imprison people without trial for up to two years. This provision was seen as a severe violation of civil liberties and due process rights. It was also seen as an attempt by the British government to stifle political opposition and dissent in India.

Passed hurriedly
Another reason for Indian opposition to the Rowlatt Act was that it was passed hurriedly without proper debate or consultation with Indian leaders and representatives. The act was pushed through the British Parliament without any input from Indian leaders or the Indian public, which was seen as an affront to Indian sovereignty and self-determination.

Gave the govt. enormous powers
The Rowlatt Act also gave the government enormous powers to suppress political activities and arrest people without trial. It empowered the government to ban public gatherings, censor the press, and arrest anyone suspected of being involved in seditious activities. This broad and sweeping power was seen as a threat to civil liberties and democratic freedoms in India.

Local leaders were picked up
The Rowlatt Act was also used by the British government to pick up local leaders and activists who were involved in political activities and dissent. Many prominent Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, were arrested under the act, which further fueled opposition and resentment against it.

In conclusion, the Rowlatt Act of 1919 was met with widespread opposition in India because it authorized the government to imprison people without trial, was passed hurriedly without proper consultation, gave the government enormous powers to suppress political activities, and was used to pick up local leaders and activists.