Though the British Government gave panacea to the Indians by passing the Act of 1919, it also took due steps to curb out revolutionary terrorism in the country. For that purpose, the Government appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Justice Rowlett. The suggestions of the committee were opposed by all sections of people.

Gandhiji protested it vehemently and threatened to launch Satyagraha against it. In spite of the opposition Rowlett Act was enacted in 1919.

The Act authorized the Government to imprison anyone on suspicion or disloyalty to the State without producing him before magistrate, Gandhi gave a clarion call to the people to start ‘Satyagraha’ against the Government, A ‘Satyagraha Sabha’ was formed. Due to lack of communication, ‘Harte’ was observed in Delhi on 30 March, 1919. Except Delhi, a countrywide ‘Harte’ was launched on 6 April, 1919 with fasting, prayer, procession, organisation of meetings etc, to compel the Government to withdraw the Act.

At Delhi, police resorted to violence and killed five people. Gandhiji was taken into custody at Delhi on 7 April 1919. When he was proceeding from Bombay to Punjab he was sent back to Bombay. This established the leadership of Gandhi on solid foundation.