ANTI-ROWLATT SATYAGRAH

ANTI-ROWLATT  SATYAGRAH

1-The 1919 sedition Committee headed by Justice Rowlatt, led to the Rowlatt Act (18 March 1919) whereby war time

restrictions of civil rights were to he made permanent by

a) System of special courts

b) Detention without trial for 2 years maximum

c) Greater police powers.

2-This Act authorized the Government to imprison any person without trial and conviction of the court of law.

3-This law also enabled the Government to suspend the right of Habeas Corpus, which had been the foundation of civil liberties in Britain.

4-Anti-Rowlatt Satyagraha intended to mobilize public opinion against the Act.

5-It was first countrywide agitation by Gandhi & marked the foundation of Non Cooperation Movement.

6-During March & April 1919, the country witnessed a remarkable political awakening in India. There were hartals,

strikes, processions & demonstrations.

7-On April 13-1919 (Baisakhi Day). Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Satyapal were addressing a peaceful rally in Jallianwala Bagh when General Dyer ordered for the infamous massacre

8-The Hunter Commission’s report on the Punjab disturbances was described by Gandhi as a ‘white wash’.

9-Tagore returned his knighthood in protest.

10-Sardar Udham Singh who took the name of Ram Mohammed Singh murdered Dowyer in England