why indians were outraged by the rowlatt act

The Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act primarily because it was an oppressive and undemocratic law that gave the British colonial government extraordinary powers to suppress political activities. The act allowed the government to detain individuals suspected of terrorism or revolutionary activities without trial for up to two years. It also permitted arrests without warrants, juryless trials, strict control over the press, and authority to handle cases with severe limitations on the rights of the accused, such as denying them information about the accusers or evidence against them. This law blatantly hurt Indian national sentiments and dignity by curbing fundamental rights like freedom of expression and severely restricting political participation. Moreover, the act was passed despite fierce opposition from Indian members of the Imperial Legislative Council, which increased resentment. The imposition of such a repressive law to curb the growing nationalist movement led to widespread protests, including Gandhi's call for a nationwide satyagraha. The anger also escalated due to brutal government actions under this law, culminating in atrocities like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which further inflamed Indian outrage.