Consider the following statements:
1. The Swaraj Party was formed in late 1925 by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das to enter the legislative councils.
2. The Rowlatt Act was one of the important factors which led to the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.
3. The Simon Commission, constituted in 1927, was boycotted by the Indian National Congress and most other Indian political parties.
4. The Azad Hind Fauj or Indian National Army was reorganized by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1943 in Southeast Asia.
Which of the above statements are correct?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) 2, 3, and 4

Explanation:

Swaraj Party:

• The Swaraj Party was formed in January 1923.
• Founders: Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das.
• Purpose: To enter the legislative councils and oppose British policies from within after the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922.

Rowlatt Act:

• The Rowlatt Act (1919) allowed imprisonment without trial and was strongly opposed by Indians, leading to widespread protests.
• It, along with events like the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, became key reasons for the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhi in 1920.

Simon commission:

• The Simon Commission (1927) had no Indian members, leading to nationwide protests.
• Slogan: "Simon Go Back!"
• It was boycotted by INC, the Muslim League (faction), and others. However, a few groups like the Justice Party in the South supported it.

Indian National Army:

• Subhas Chandra Bose reorganized the INA (Azad Hind Fauj) in 1943 in Singapore.
• He took over leadership from Rash Behari Bose and set up the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Sarkar).

Information Booster:

Rowlatt Act, 1919 (Based on Defence of India Act, 1915)

Purpose:

To suppress revolutionary and nationalist activities post-World War I.

Key Features:

• Detention Without Trial:
• Arrest without warrant and detention up to 2 years.
• No Legal Recourse:
• No appeal or review permitted in such detentions.
• Secret Trials:
• Camera trials (in-camera proceedings) without juries in sedition-related cases.
• Suppression of Freedoms:
• Tighter censorship of press and publications.
• Ban on public gatherings.
• Violation of Civil Liberties:
• Suspension of fundamental rights, especially freedom of expression and association.

Simon Commission – Purpose

• Review of 1919 Act: To assess the working of Government of India Act 1919 (especially Diarchy in provinces).
• Suggest Constitutional Reforms: o recommend future changes in Indian governance while retaining British supremacy.