The Rowlatt Act (February 1919), passed by the Imperial Legislative Council, the legislature of British India. It allowed certain political cases to be tried without juries and permitted the internment of suspects without trial.
Despite opposition from Indian members, the Rowlatt Act was rushed through the Imperial Legislative Council. It provided the government authoritarian powers to suppress political activities, as well as the ability to hold political detainees for two years without charge or trial. This conduct offended Indians because it was undemocratic and harsh, and it harmed national sentiments and dignity.
