Rowlatt Act 1919 was called Black Act because it was enforced by Imperial Legislative Council despite opposition of Indians..

The rowlatt law established people freedom by empowering the government to arrest without warrant or imprison without trial

The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Black Act, was called so due to the widespread opposition and protests against it. The Act was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in 1919, during the British colonial rule in India.






The Rowlatt Act was met with strong opposition from various sections of Indian society due to several reasons:




Violation of Civil Liberties: The Act gave the British government extensive powers to arrest and detain individuals without trial for an indefinite period. This was seen as a direct violation of the basic civil liberties and human rights of the Indian people.




Suppression of Freedom of Speech and Assembly: The Act aimed to suppress any form of dissent against the British rule by restricting freedom of speech, press, and assembly. It allowed the government to prohibit public meetings and impose censorship on newspapers and publications.




Lack of Representation: The Act was passed without any consultation or input from the Indian leaders or the general public. This lack of representation further fueled the resentment and opposition towards the Act.






The Rowlatt Act sparked widespread protests and demonstrations throughout India:




Hartal: On March 30, 1919, a nationwide hartal (general strike) was observed to protest against the Act. Shops, businesses, and educational institutions remained closed, and public transportation was halted.




Mass Meetings: Mass meetings were organized in various cities, where leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the crowds and denounced the Act.




Civil Disobedience: The Act also led to acts of civil disobedience, with people refusing to cooperate with the British authorities. Boycotts of British goods, non-payment of taxes, and refusal to work in government offices were some of the ways people expressed their opposition.






The Rowlatt Act and the subsequent protests had significant consequences:




Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The most infamous incident related to the Act was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. On April 13, 1919, British troops under the command of General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar, resulting in the death of hundreds of people.




Intensification of the Freedom Struggle: The Act and the brutal response to the protests further intensified the Indian freedom struggle. It united people from different backgrounds and regions against British rule.




Increased Nationalism: The Act played a crucial role in fostering a sense of nationalism and collective identity among the Indian people. It strengthened their resolve to fight for independence and self-rule.




Repeal of the Act: Finally, the Rowlatt Act was repealed in 1922 after sustained opposition and pressure from the Indian national leaders and the public.




In conclusion, the Rowlatt Act was called the Black Act due to the intense opposition and widespread protests it generated. Its provisions violated civil liberties, suppressed freedom of speech and assembly, and lacked representation. The Act led to mass demonstrations, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. Its consequences