Correct Option
The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919, was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in March 1919. This legislation empowered the British government to arrest and imprison any person suspected of terrorism without trial for up to two years, and also allowed for trials without a jury. It was enacted to suppress nationalist and revolutionary activities following World War I. The Act was met with widespread condemnation across India, as it violated fundamental civil liberties and legal principles. Its passage led to nationwide protests and hartals. In Punjab, particularly Amritsar, the opposition intensified. The arrest of prominent nationalist leaders, Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, on April 10, 1919, under the provisions of this Act, further escalated public anger. This culminated in a large, peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, to protest against the arrests and the repressive Rowlatt Act, which was then tragically dispersed by General Dyer's order to open fire on the unarmed crowd, resulting in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Incorrect Options
The Arms Act of 1878 restricted Indians from possessing firearms without a license, but it was not the direct cause of the widespread indignation and protests that led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.