The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was some contentious legislation brought to British India by the Indian government. It granted a huge amount of power to the hand of the government, which could imprison or detain any person on mere suspicion of indulging in seditious activities. No person arrested under this provision could appeal against their detention at law.

No right to legal representation:They were barred from having a lawyer represent them.

No chance to bring evidence:They could not even present any kind of evidence to defend themselves.

Why did it receive the tag of a 'black law'?

The very severe and prejudiced clauses of the Rowlatt Act made Indians criticize this "black law". It was a blow to civil liberties, unambiguous violation of fundamental rights. This law sparked a broad road agitation in India that led to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar.

Important points to recall:

The Rowlatt Act was the most draconian law through which individual rights were taken away.

It was the primary cause of the Indian independence movement.

The dreadful Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a result of huge anger and scandal caused by the Rowlatt Act.

In this regard, it was a symbol of British repression in India as well as a spark for the Indian independence movement.