Question

Which Act is known as the Black Act?
A. Ilbert Bill
B. Rowlatt Act
C. Hunter Act
D. Act of 1909

Answer 1

Hint:
The Act, known as the Black Act, was introduced in the year 1919. It was aimed to curtail civil liberties. The Act empowered the British Government to arrest anyone suspect of indulging in anti British activity. This controversial Black Act was named after a British judge, who was the President of the Committee which recommended the Act.

Complete answer:
A) Ilbert Bill was introduced by Lord Ripon in 1883. British tea and indigo plantations owners vehemently opposed this bill. It sought to abolish judicial disqualification based on racial distinctions. But it was not a Black Act. It was not passed.

B) The Rowlatt Act is known as the Black Act. It was implemented in 1919. It was recommended by the Rowlatt Committee. A British Judge, Sir Sidney Rowlatt was its president. This Act gave the British enormous power. They were now free to detain political prisoners without trial. It aimed at curtailing civil liberties. The police were free to arrest anyone without warrant on the basis of suspicion only.

C) The Hunter Act was the recommendations of the Hunter Commission of 1882. It was related to the education system of the British India.

D) The Indian Councils Act of 1909 is commonly known as the Morley-Minto Reforms. It offered a nominal increase for the Indians to participate in the governance of the British India.

Therefore the correct answer is option (B).

Note:
Some of the Indians felt that the British Rule in India was a boon for the country. But gradually, the true character of the British Rule came before the Indians. The British tried to suppress the rising nationalist sentiments among Indians through the Rowlatt Act.