Which British government act instituted censorship of the press and permitted the detention of Indians without trial?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Rowlatt Act
During the Great War of 1914-18 the British had instituted censorship of the press and detention without trial; on the recommendation of a committee chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, these measures were continued by the Rowlatt Act of 1919, against which Gandhiji called a countrywide campaign.
Note: A same/similar question was asked in CUET (UG) in the papers below.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| – | – | – | 22-05 S2* 30-05 S1 | – |
* A similar question.
NCERT (2026-27): “2. The Making and Unmaking of Non-cooperation … Then, in 1919, the colonial rulers delivered into Gandhiji’s lap an issue from which he could construct a much wider movement. During the Great War of 1914-18, the British had instituted censorship of the press and permitted detention without trial. Now, on the recommendation of a committee chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, these tough measures were continued. In response, Gandhiji called for a countrywide campaign against the ‘Rowlatt Act’. In towns across North and West India, life came to a standstill, as shops shut down and schools closed in response to the bandh call.…” |