Modern History: Montigo – Chlemsford Act, 1919, Rowlatt Act , Non Cooperation, Simon Commission

Government of India act,1919 or Montigo-Chlemsford Act,1919:

• Three Indians can become minister or executive
• Separate electorate for Sikhs,christans.
• Introduction of provincial diarchy which means whole India divided between centre and provinces(states),but the final power vested in centre.

Rowlatt Act:

• In 1917 a Rowlatt committee was formed under Justice Rowlatt. This committee was formed to curb revolutionary activities. The Rowlatt Bill sought to curtail the liberty of the people.
• The act was passed in the year 1919.
• It provided for speedy trial of offences by a special court of 3 High court judges. There was to be no appeal.
• Rowlatt act was repealed by British in 1922.

Non cooperation Movement:

• After the Jalianwala case and the Rowlatt act, Mahatma Gandhi started non-cooperation movement. The resolution for this movement was passed in 1920 by a specially called session under the president ship of Lala Lajpat Rai.
• Main objective of non-cooperation was to establish Indian institutes, Industries, women upliftment , Hindu and Muslim Unity along with boycotting British goods.
• Ravindernath Tagore returned his title of knighthood to Britishers. Gandhi also inspired from him and returned Keshriya hind medal given to him by Britishers.
• Mob of people at Chauri Chaura (near Gorakhpur) clashed with the police and burnt 22 policemen on 5th February,1922.
• This compelled Gandhiji to withdraw the Non Cooperation Movement on 12th February, 1922.

Simon Commission:

• In 1927, the British government appointed a Commission to look into the working of the Government of India Act, 1919.
• Indian leaders opposed the Commission as there were no Indian in it and the Congress turned the boycott into a movement.
• Lala Lajpat Rai was severely beaten in lathi charge and he succumbed to his injuries while doing protest.