What was the purpose of Rowlatt Law?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) To curb revolutionary activities.

The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was enacted by the British colonial government in India to suppress revolutionary activities and curb the growing nationalist upsurge in the country.

​Historical Significance: The Rowlatt Act is remembered as a catalyst that united Indians across regions and communities in the fight against colonial oppression, marking a significant milestone in India's struggle for independence.​

Key Provisions of the Rowlatt Act:

• Arrest Without Warrant: Authorities were empowered to arrest individuals suspected of revolutionary activities without a warrant.

  
  

• Detention Without Trial: Suspects could be detained indefinitely without trial, effectively bypassing the judicial process.

  
  

• Press Restrictions: The Act imposed stricter control over the press, limiting freedom of expression and suppressing dissent.

  
  

• In-Camera Trials: Trials for certain political offenses were to be conducted without juries and behind closed doors, denying the accused a fair public hearing.

  
  

Additional Information:

The Rowlatt Act faced widespread opposition from Indian leaders and the general public, as it was seen as an infringement on civil liberties and legal rights. Mahatma Gandhi referred to it as the "Black Act" and initiated a nationwide protest known as the Rowlatt Satyagraha in 1919.

The discontent and unrest resulting from the Act's implementation culminated in tragic events such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, further galvanizing the Indian independence movement.

• Repeal of the Act: In response to sustained protests and the recommendations of the Repressive Laws Committee, the British colonial government repealed the Rowlatt Act, along with other repressive laws, in March 1922.