What was Rowlatt Act? How did …

1. This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of Indian Members.
2. It gave the government enormous power to repress political activities and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
3. The Rowlatt Act acted as an instrument of suppression of civil rights of the Indians hence produced widespread discontent among masses.

The reactions of people against the Rowlatt Act passed through the Imperial Legislative Council 1919 were as follows:

1. Rallies were organised in various cities.
2. Workers went on strike in railway workshops.
3. Shops closed down.
4. Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, for which a day of hartal was fixed on 6 April,1919.