Consider the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919:

1. It was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council

2. Khilafat Committee was formed to oppose the Act

3. While Gandhiji was arrested, the local leaders were allowed to continue the protest

How many of the above statements is/are NOT correct?

The correct answer is Option 2

Key Points

• The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was indeed passed by the Imperial Legislative Council of British India. It aimed to curb revolutionary activities and extend emergency measures indefinitely. Hence , Statement 1 is correct.
• The Khilafat Committee was not formed to oppose the Rowlatt Act. Instead, it was formed in 1919 to protest against the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire and the abolition of the Caliphate after World War I. The opposition to the Rowlatt Act was primarily led by Indian nationalists, including Mahatma Gandhi, through the Rowlatt Satyagraha. Hence , Statement 2 is incorrect.
• When Gandhi was arrested, it sparked widespread unrest, and many local leaders were also arrested. The British authorities did not allow the local leaders to continue the protest; rather, they took stringent measures to suppress the movement. Hence , Statement 3 is incorrect.
• Hence, the incorrect options are 2 and only.

Additional Information

• Rowlatt Act of 1919
  • Introduction: The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in British India. It was named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, the British judge who headed the committee recommending the act.
• Key Provisions:
  • Prevention of Sedition: The Act allowed the government to imprison any person suspected of terrorism or anti-British activities without trial for up to two years.
  • Curbs on Freedom of Expression: It restricted press freedom and allowed the police to search and arrest without warrants.
  • No Appeal or Writ: The act suspended the right to habeas corpus, denying the accused the right to appeal against detention.
• Purpose:
  • ​ It was designed to curb the growing nationalist and revolutionary activities in India, following the unrest during and after World War I.
• Reactions:
  • Widespread Opposition: The Act faced severe backlash from Indian leaders and the public, leading to widespread protests.
• Gandhiji’s Role: Mahatma Gandhi led a nationwide campaign against the Act, calling for a nonviolent resistance known as the "Rowlatt Satyagraha" in 1919.
• Consequences:
  • Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The peaceful protests led to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed civilians.
  • Strengthened Nationalist Movement: The outrage over the Act and the massacre galvanized the Indian freedom movement, leading to increased unity among different sections of society against British rule.
• Significance:
  • The Rowlatt Act symbolized the oppressive nature of British colonial rule and the denial of civil liberties, marking a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.