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Question

The proposed Rowlett Act of 1919 allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for .

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2022 Tier-II (Paper 2 JSO) Previous Year Paper (04-Mar-2023)
The correct answer is two years

Understanding the Rowlatt Act 1919 Provisions

The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919, was a controversial legislation passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in Delhi. It was enacted based on the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee, chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt.

This act gave the British government enormous powers to repress political activities. It allowed for the arbitrary arrest and detention of individuals suspected of 'revolutionary' activities without trial.

Detention Without Trial under the Rowlatt Act

One of the most draconian provisions of the Rowlatt Act was the power it granted to the government to imprison persons without trial for a specified period. This severely curtailed civil liberties and was widely protested by Indian leaders and the public.

The act stated that individuals could be detained without trial for a maximum period. Let's examine the options given to determine the correct duration:

  • Option 1: two years
  • Option 2: six months
  • Option 3: two months
  • Option 4: one year

Historical records confirm that the Rowlatt Act permitted the detention of political prisoners without trial for up to two years.

Analyzing the Rowlatt Act's Impact

The implementation of the Rowlatt Act led to widespread discontent and protests across India, notably the nationwide hartal called by Mahatma Gandhi. These protests were a significant turning point in the Indian independence movement, leading to further repressive measures by the British government, such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar.

Conclusion on Rowlatt Act Detention Period

Based on the historical provisions of the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919, the period for which political prisoners could be detained without trial was two years.

Comparing this with the given options, the correct duration is two years.

Revision Table: Key Aspects of Rowlatt Act

Aspect Description
Official Name Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919
Basis Recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee
Key Provision Arrest and detention of political activists without trial
Detention Period (Max) Two years
Impact Widespread protests, hartal, Jallianwala Bagh massacre

Additional Information on Rowlatt Act and Protests

The Rowlatt Act was passed despite strong opposition from Indian members of the Imperial Legislative Council. All Indian members, including Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Mazhar Ul Haq, resigned from the council in protest against the act. The act's provisions were seen as a direct violation of basic human rights and legal principles.

The protest movement against the Rowlatt Act demonstrated the growing unity and resolve of the Indian people against British rule. The scale of the protests, particularly the hartal on April 6, 1919, showed the potential for mass mobilization under Gandhi's leadership.

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