Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act of 1919 for several critical reasons. Firstly, the Act was passed hurriedly through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of all Indian members, which was seen as a complete disregard for Indian opinion. Secondly, it gave the government enormous, autocratic powers to repress political activities. Most alarmingly, it allowed for the detention of political prisoners without trial for up to two years. This was a direct assault on fundamental civil liberties like the right to trial and habeas corpus. After supporting Britain in World War I, Indians expected democratic reforms but were instead given this repressive "Black Act." It was seen as a betrayal and an instrument to crush any form of nationalist dissent, leading to widespread anger and Mahatma Gandhi's call for the Rowlatt Satyagraha.