The Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, commonly called the Rowlatt Act, was arguably the most repressive law enacted by the British in India. Proposed by Justice Sidney Rowlatt’s committee, this legislation:
✔ Extended wartime emergency measures into peacetime
✔ Allowed detention without trial for up to 2 years
✔ Permitted secret trials without juries
✔ Became known as the “Black Act” by Indians
This 1,800-word guide examines the Act’s controversial provisions, the massive public backlash it generated, and its lasting impact on India’s freedom struggle.
Section 1: Historical Context & Key Provisions
1.1 Why the Act Was Created
Post-WWI Britain feared:
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Revolutionary activities inspired by Bolshevik Russia
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Ghadar Party conspiracies
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Rising nationalist sentiment after Montagu Declaration (1917)
1.2 Draconian Provisions
| Clause | Impact |
|---|---|
| Section 3 | Detention without charge for “suspects” |
| Section 5 | House arrest and restricted movement |
| Section 8 | In camera trials (closed-door proceedings) |
| Section 9 | No right to appeal |
Most Controversial Aspect:
Allowed confession obtained through police interrogation to be admissible as evidence.
Section 2: The Legislative Process
2.1 Imperial Legislative Council Vote
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Date Passed: 18 March 1919
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Indian Members Voting Against:
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Madan Mohan Malaviya
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Muhammad Ali Jinnah
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Mazhar Ul Haq
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Final Vote: 27 (For) vs 24 (Against)
2.2 Official Justification
British claimed it would combat:
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Revolutionary terrorism
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Anti-imperial propaganda
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Conspiracy networks
Section 3: Indian Response & Satyagraha
3.1 Gandhi’s Reaction
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Called it “evidence of determined evil” in Young India
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Launched Rowlatt Satyagraha (6 April 1919)
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Four-phase protest strategy:
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Hartals (30 March)
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Fasting & prayers (6 April)
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Civil disobedience (if demands unmet)
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Non-payment of taxes (final stage)
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3.2 Public Outrage
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Delhi (30 March): Police firing killed 8 protesters
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Ahmedabad (6 April): 1 lakh people joined hartal
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Bombay: Textile workers’ strike paralyzed city
Section 4: Connection to Jallianwala Bagh
4.1 Escalating Tensions
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9 April: British deported Dr. Satyapal & Dr. Kitchlew (Punjab leaders)
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10 April: Violent protests in Amritsar
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13 April: Baisakhi gathering at Jallianwala Bagh
4.2 The Massacre
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General Dyer’s Actions:
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Blocked sole exit with troops
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Ordered firing without warning
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1,650 rounds fired in 10 minutes
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Casualties:
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Official: 379 dead
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Congress: Over 1,000 killed
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Gandhi’s Turning Point:
“The impossible became possible after Jallianwala. Non-cooperation was born from that garden of blood.”
Section 5: Repeal & Legacy
5.1 Legislative Aftermath
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1922: Provisions incorporated into Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act
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1935: Finally repealed under Government of India Act
5.2 Long-Term Impacts
| Area | Consequence |
|---|---|
| National Movement | United moderates & extremists |
| British Reputation | Exposed brutality of colonial rule |
| Gandhi’s Leadership | Established as pan-India leader |
| Constitutional Reforms | Led to 1919 Act diarchy system |
Section 6: Modern Parallels
6.1 Contemporary Laws Compared
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USA PATRIOT Act (2001)
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UK Terrorism Act (2000)
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India’s UAPA Amendments
6.2 Historical Commemoration
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Jallianwala Bagh Memorial
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100th Anniversary Protests (2019)
FAQs About the Rowlatt Act
❓ Why was it called the Black Act?
Due to its oppressive nature – bypassing all legal safeguards.
❓ Did any British officials oppose it?
Yes – Edwin Montagu (Sec. of State for India) called it “un-British”.
❓ How did it affect Gandhi’s methods?
Pushed him toward nationwide non-cooperation from local satyagrahas.
❓ Were there any positive outcomes?
United Hindus/Muslims in protest, accelerating freedom movement.
Conclusion
The Rowlatt Act’s significance lies in:
✔ Revealing British authoritarianism
✔ Galvanizing mass resistance
✔ Forging Gandhi-Congress dominance
✔ Creating martyrs that fueled independence struggle