Question

Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Rowlatt Act.
A. The Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919.
B. It was passed by imperial legislative council inspite of opposition from Indian members.
C. Rowlatt Act allowed detention of political prisoners for a period of 2 years without trial.
D. Rowlatt Act allowed detention of political prisoners for a period of 5 years without trial.

Answer 1

Hint:Rowlatt Act is also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act. It was passed on the recommendation of Sir Sidney Rowlatt. It was passed in Delhi.

Complete answer:
Option A, Rowlatt Act was passed in the year 1919 in the month of March which provided the freedom to the policemen to arrest any person who might have been suspected of performing terrorist activities. This Act was criticized by Mahatma Gandhi because he believed that everyone should not be dragged in these kind of activities. Thus, it is the correct statement.
Option B, the Act was passed the Imperial Legislative Council inspite of the opposition from the Indian members such as Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Madan Mohan Malviya and Mazhar Ul Haq. This led to the Rowlatt Satyagraha movement by Gandhiji on 6th April in response of this Act. So, it is also the correct statement.
Option C, Rowlatt Act allowed detention of political prisoners for a period of 2 years without trial which means the suspects of the terrorist activities were hold back for a period of 2 years and given power to the authorities to deal with them in which accused were denied the right to know about the accusers and also they could not take part in any of the political, educational or religious activities after the release. So, it is also the correct statement.
Option D, Rowlatt Act allowed detention of political prisoners for a period of 5 years without trial is incorrect because it was for a period of 2 years. Thus, it is the incorrect statement.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

Note:- The Rowlatt Act was passed on 21st March 1919.
- Sir Sydney Rowlatt was a British Judge and the Act was named after him.
- The two bills which were introduced in the Rowlatt Committee in the year 1919 on 6th February is known as Black Act by the Indians.