The correct answer is allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • Mahatma Gandhi in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919). • This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members. • It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. • The act was passed as per recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee chaired by a judge, Sir Sidney Rowlatt, after whom the act is named. • It empowered the police to search for a place without a warrant. • Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, which would start with a hartal on 6 April. • Rallies were organised in various cities, workers went on strike in railway workshops, and shops closed down. • On 10 April, the police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession, provoking widespread attacks on banks, post offices and railway stations. Martial law was imposed and General Dyer took command. • On 13 April, the infamous Jallianwalla Bagh incident took place.