* Mahatma Gandhi reacted sharply and decided to launch a non violent civil disobedience against such unjust law.

* Rallies were organised in various cities, workers went on strike in railways, workshops and shops closed down.

* Peaceful protest meeting were organised at Jallianwala Bagh-Amritsar.

The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, was a law enacted by the British government in India in 1919. It was named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, the chairman of the committee that recommended its implementation. The act aimed to give the colonial government extensive powers to suppress political dissent and arrest suspected revolutionaries without trial.

Impact on Civil Liberties:

The Rowlatt Act had a profound impact on civil liberties in India and significantly affected the national movement. The act granted the British government the authority to:

1. Arrest and Detain without Trial:
The act allowed the government to arrest and detain any person suspected of being involved in revolutionary activities without presenting any evidence or granting them the right to a fair trial. Not only did this infringe upon the basic principles of justice, but it also led to widespread abuse of power by the colonial authorities.

2. Suspension of Habeas Corpus:
The act suspended the right to habeas corpus, which meant that individuals could be imprisoned for an indefinite period without being informed of the charges against them or having the opportunity to challenge their detention. This provision further eroded civil liberties and allowed the government to suppress political opposition with impunity.

3. Censorship and Restriction of Press:
The act introduced censorship measures that curtailed the freedom of the press. Newspapers and publications critical of British rule were shut down, and journalists were arrested for reporting on dissenting views. This stifled the dissemination of information and limited the public's access to alternative viewpoints.

4. Suppression of Political Organizations:
The Rowlatt Act targeted political organizations and sought to dismantle the nationalist movement. It empowered the government to ban political meetings, disrupt public gatherings, and dissolve political associations. This directly undermined the efforts of Indian leaders to mobilize support and organize peaceful protests against British rule.

Impact on the National Movement:

The Rowlatt Act had several significant consequences for the national movement in India:

1. Widespread Protests:
The act sparked widespread protests and demonstrations across the country. People from all walks of life, including students, workers, and professionals, came together to voice their opposition to the repressive measures. The protests were organized and led by prominent Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, who saw the act as a blatant violation of civil liberties.

2. Non-Cooperation Movement:
The Rowlatt Act acted as a catalyst for the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. The act galvanized Indians to reject British authority and actively resist colonial rule. The movement gained momentum and saw mass boycotts of British goods, institutions, and the civil service. This marked a turning point in the national movement and placed the demand for complete independence at the forefront.

3. Emergence of Mass Nationalism:
The act played a crucial role in awakening mass nationalism in India. The repressive nature of the act, coupled with its arbitrary implementation, instilled a sense of collective outrage and solidarity among the Indian population. It united people across religious, caste, and regional lines, leading to a broader-based and more inclusive movement against British rule.

4. Shift in Political Strategies:
The Rowlatt Act forced Indian leaders to adopt new strategies to challenge British authority. It highlighted the limitations of constitutional methods and peaceful negotiations. Consequently, there was a shift towards more radical forms of protest, including strikes, boycotts, and civil disobedience campaigns. This marked a significant departure from earlier approaches and