Unveiling the Shadows: Questioning Britain’s Brutality, Unlearned History

Embrace the profound truth that freedom, an unwavering force inherently ingrained in every human being from birth, bestows the gift of autonomy in actions and choices. It liberates us from the shackles of external coercion and oppressive restraints upon our will. Throughout history, nations have valiantly struggled for this precious right. However, the current state of affairs in Pakistan serves as a stark reminder that a nation engulfed in the illusion of freedom can unwittingly endure the harshest form of slavery, all while wearing a facade of contentment.

We celebrate independence, but is it merely an illusion? Are we truly free?

Origin of Emergency Laws and Unaccountable Power

Romans were the pioneers, when we consider emergency laws and unaccountable power. and they decided the senate can appoint a dictator for not more than six months safeguarding their constitutional system.

These measures were put in place to keep their citizens and the constitutional system from harm and to ensure a thriving society. in the end that brutality was used against them.

They faced the dark side of human nature.

Who was the first dictator in history?

Titus Larcius was the first Roman dictator, chosen for his leadership and decision-making in times of crisis. Despite the negative connotation of dictatorship today, ancient Rome saw it as an honorable and responsible position. Larcius selected more than once, set a precedent for future dictators, shaping Roman history and leaving a lasting legacy.

What powers did the dictator enjoy?

Titus Lartius, a notable Roman politician and patrician, served twice as consul and was respected by all classes for his courage, loyalty, and success as a farmer. He was appointed in crises and normal laws didn’t apply to him, yet he was still answerable to the Senate.

Look around and realize the truth. We are still slaves

Germany's Emergency Laws from Crisis Response to Catastrophe

After World War I, Germany allows a constitution-backed provision in the name of emergency to combat threats. These provisions were initially used to combat violent insurrection but later increased in frequency, leading to economic failure.

Jurist Carl Schmitt supported Hitler and believed that a constitution could not cover every possible situation and that the executive needed to act beyond ordinary law to preserve democracy.

These provisions helped Germany survive but also allowed Hitler to seize power in 1933.

Colonial Brutality of anti-humanright laws in the India

The Indian subcontinent has a history of suppressing basic human rights through laws such as The Bengal Regulation of 1812 followed by Regulation III of 1818, which allowed the East India Company to hold people without trial and even on suspicion.

However, in 1882, the introduction of new laws of Habeas Corpus thus changed the landscape.

in 1907, emergency laws were imposed in Punjab, Eastern Bengal, and Assam, and after that, a series of colonial Pitch-Black Pages on the name of the law were imposed to restrict public meetings’ publication in the Indian press and basic human rights.

In June 1908, the Newspaper Act was passed to decrease agitation. New laws Empowered local governments, and could initiate legal actions against those publishing or inciting seditious material.

Further legal controls were created with the Prevention of Seditious Meetings and also amending the criminal laws.

Indian soldiers fought in World War for white nations, why?

Should we consider them Shaheed or Dash Baght?

Contribution of India in WWI

The British couldn’t afford manpower and an army to fight to the death for their goals and safety. The local leaders keep supporting and Indian blood replaces white instead.

For what they gave life, today even in Britain no one praises them.¹

Defence of India act 1915

On March 19, 1915, Sir Reginald Craddock, a distinguished member of the Viceroy’s council, introduced a law that efficiently passed in a single sitting.

The act was created as temporary legislation for the duration of World War I and an additional six months thereafter. This measure was implemented to address potential threats that may have arisen from revolutionaries and Germans.

And this act was also approved unanimously, for the betterment of people and to save them from any kind of harm and danger from Germany.

Powers Under Defence of India ActPowers Under Defence of India Act

This act empowers the Governor General to make rules for public safety and defense in British India during the war. It outlines the roles of public servants toward these goals and allows suspects to be incarcerated without prior notification or appeal, especially in Punjab.

Unaccountable power was given to the executive, like prevention, detention without trial, and restrictions on writing, speech, gathering, and movement.

What was the outcome of the Defence of India Act?

The Act’s implementation reflected a strategy of using legal measures to quell political resistance and maintain authority, ultimately destruction, and brutality and fueling the push for independence in India.

Does the Defense of India Act live up to its name?

The Defence of India Act of 1915 granted general powers to the British colonial authorities in India. Its purpose was to curb political dissent and suppress revolutionary activities. The Act allowed for arrests without warrants and preventive detention. Civil liberties were limited under the Act, and it sparked widespread protests and opposition from Indian nationalists.

The Act played a significant role in fueling the movement for greater self-governance in India. Its provisions and impact on Indian society shaped the course of the Indian independence movement. Individuals were unjustly arrested, detained, and convicted under the Act for their political beliefs or involvement in nationalist movements.

The Rowlatt Act: upgrade of Defenence of India Act

As the expiration of the 1915 Act approached, the British government showed solidarity when the Rowlatt Committee was formed to address the threat of the revolutionary movement.

Utilizing the Committee’s recommendations, the Defence of India Act was extended for another three years, except for the habeas corpus provision. The Imperial Legislative Council endorsed the bill, which was based on the comprehensive report of Justice S.A.T. Rowlatt’s committee in 1918.

Despite the opposition of non-official Indian members, the bill was passed, leaving Mohammed Ali Jinnah no choice but to resign from the council to avoid potential difficulties with the unpopular decision.

This agitation culminated in the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre in April 1919, leading Mahatma Gandhi to lead the Rowlatt Satyagraha, the first Civil Disobedience movement.

How many people have been convicted under the Defence of India Act?

At the end of 1917, the number of persons under house arrest was 705. and 99 were imprisoned.

The total number of affected people under major punishments was 1400. additional 300 minor punishments.

and around 2000 people were stopped to return to India under the Ingress into India Ordinance, of 1914.

Shattered illusions reveal the harsh reality, It's just a beggning

Unmasking the Shadows: Was the Rowlatt Act Enforced?

The “Rowlatt Act Never Enforced” people of the India congress and all other parties, significantly Mahatma Gandhi’s no corporative moment, force the colonial power to step back.

The act was reverted and then divided into different sister laws. People of the sub-continent stood for their freedom.

And the saddest fact is two great men from two nations (India, and Pakistan) struggled against The British empire, after independence both excessively used these laws for their political for personal interests.

Millions of people were killed and abducted, still missing, and women raped, in the name of peace and safety of people. and when compared with British brutality, No compression at all.

Imagine if Quaid Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, and Iqbal are sitting somewhere on the tea table and analyzing today’s situation and millions of killings, what would they decide?

What is Common in all antihuman rights acts, around the globe?

These are some Basic common factors when critically compiling available data.

Denial of Human Rights Violations

Anti-human rights acts involve and also deny human rights violations.

Repression and Suppression

Anti-human rights act involves in repression and suppression of individuals or groups who advocate for or exercise their human rights.

Discrimination and Marginalization

Many anti-human rights acts are rooted in discrimination and marginalization. They target individuals based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and political beliefs, denying them equal rights and opportunities.

Authoritarianism and Lack of Accountability

Anti-human rights acts often occur, by authoritarian or repressive regimes, where accountability mechanisms are weak or non-existent. These acts in many cases include extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, and forced disappearances, among others.

Erosion of Democratic Institutions

These rights are often associated with the erosion of democratic institutions and the consolidation of power by the ruling elite.

This can include undermining the independence of the judiciary, restricting media freedoms, and limiting the functioning of civil society organizations.

Lack of Access to Justice

Victims of these acts have to face barriers in accessing justice, due to corruption, lack of resources, or intimidation. This perpetuates a culture of impunity.

Some popular Emergnecy laws

These are some laws allegedly involved in basic human rights violations or based on suppression of human rights.

Protection of State Security Law (Egypt)
Anti-Terrorism Law (Saudi arab)
Internal Security Act (Singapore)
Public Order and Security Act (Zimbabwe)
Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act (United Kingdom)
Public Safety Act (India)
Anti-Terrorism Act (Philippines)
The Indian Press Act (1910)
Defense of India Act (1915)
The Rowlatt Act (1919)
The Indira Gandhi-imposed Emergency (India)
The East Pakistan Rifles emergency (Bangladesh)
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Ordinance (Pakistan)
ATA(Pakistan)
The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) (India)
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) (India)
The "Kill the Gays" Bill (Uganda)
The National Security Law (China - Hong Kong)
The Patriot Act (United States)

Strange commons, peace, protection, prevention, and public safety, but always the ultimate result is destruction, brutality, killings, and mass killings.

Some Common Questions are.....

These are some laws allegedly involved in basic human rights violations or based on suppression of human rights.

Protection of State Security Law (Egypt)
Anti-Terrorism Law (Saudi arab)
Internal Security Act (Singapore)
Public Order and Security Act (Zimbabwe)
Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act (United Kingdom)
Public Safety Act (India)
Anti-Terrorism Act (Philippines)
The Indian Press Act (1910)
Defense of India Act (1915)
The Rowlatt Act (1919)
The Indira Gandhi-imposed Emergency (India)
The East Pakistan Rifles emergency (Bangladesh)
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Ordinance (Pakistan)
ATA(Pakistan)
The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) (India)
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) (India)
The “Kill the Gays” Bill (Uganda)
The National Security Law (China – Hong Kong)
The Patriot Act (United States)

Strange commons, peace, protection, prevention, and public safety, but always the ultimate result is destruction, brutality, killings, and mass killings.

Some Common Questions are…..

What is the ultimate result of imposing emergency laws?

Throughout history, emergency laws have been misused and resulted in the loss of lives and the violation of human rights. While the intent behind these laws may have been to protect people, their implementation and enforcement have, at times, led to tragic outcomes, including violence and destruction.

Does unaccountable power ever make a happy ending?

The critical result of unaccountable power is the erosion of checks and balances, leading to potential abuse and corruption. When power lacks accountability, those in positions of authority can act with impunity, disregarding the rights and interests of others. This can result in a breakdown of trust, infringement of civil liberties, injustice, and a loss of faith in the governing institutions, ultimately undermining the foundations of a fair and just society.

Who Suffer the most?

The ones who suffer the most from unaccountable power are often marginalized and vulnerable individuals or groups in society. These can include minority populations, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, and those lacking access to resources or influence From apartheid in South Africa to the totalitarian regime of Nazi Germany, examples abound of how marginalized communities suffer under unaccountable rule.

Emergency laws affect the majority?

The majority of the population can also suffer from unaccountable power. When those in positions of authority act without proper accountability, it can lead to widespread corruption, mismanagement of resources, and a disregard for the common good. This can result in deteriorating public services, economic hardships, and a general erosion of trust in institutions. Ultimately, unaccountable power affects society as a whole, The majority also bears the brunt, as witnessed in the economic crises caused by corrupt leadership in countries like Zimbabwe and Venezuela.

one Man in power made a good progress?

History further teaches us that unaccountable power hampers progress, such as the stagnation experienced under the oppressive rule of North Korea's Kim dynasty.

Conclusion:

As we reflect upon the pages of history, one undeniable truth emerges:

Unaccountable power holds the ability to shape destinies and reverberate through time, leaving behind profound and lasting human consequences. It is within the depths of these lessons that we find the unwavering call to champion accountability, transparency, and justice.

By embracing the rule of law and ensuring that no entity is above it, we pave the path to a future where freedom thrives and the betterment of all becomes our shared aspiration. Let us forge ahead, armed with the wisdom of the past, and work tirelessly to create a world where the echoes of unaccountable power are silenced, and the triumph of justice resonates for generations to come.

Resources:

A collection of Acts passed by Governer General 1915