What was Rowlatt Act?

The Rowlatt Act passed by British government in 1919 intended to give tighter control of political speeches and acts that might have a negative effect on India’s relationship with Britain. However, it had an adverse effect on the Indian population because it sparked protests.

The Rowlatt Act gave power to the police and military forces to search without warrant any place they suspect people are holding seditious documents or arms. It also allowed for indefinite detention without trial of people who were suspected of crimes such as murder or rioting, giving evidence against an accomplice, sending inflammatory reports of military actions, and printing or circulating seditious literature.