Explanation: The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, was passed by the British colonial government in India in 1919. This act was a response to the growing nationalist movement and the perceived threat of revolutionary activities. The Act allowed the government to imprison individuals without trial and restrict civil liberties, such as freedom of speech and assembly, for up to two years.
The Act was named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, a judge who chaired the committee that recommended the legislation. The Act was particularly controversial because it allowed the government to detain individuals without trial and to suppress political dissent. This was seen as a violation of basic civil liberties and was met with widespread opposition from the Indian populace.
The opposition to the Rowlatt Act was led by prominent Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, who organized a nationwide protest known as the Rowlatt Satyagraha. The protests were met with harsh repression by the British authorities, leading to several violent incidents, including the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar, where hundreds of unarmed civilians were killed by British troops.
The Rowlatt Act was a significant factor in the Indian National Movement, as it highlighted the oppressive nature of British colonial rule and the need for self-governance. The Act's provisions were seen as a direct attack on the civil liberties of the Indian people, and its passage led to a surge in nationalist sentiment and a stronger push for independence.
In summary, the Rowlatt Act was opposed by the people primarily because it took away civil liberties, allowing the government to imprison individuals without trial and restrict freedom of speech and assembly. This was a major violation of the rights of the Indian people and a significant catalyst for the Indian National Movement.