Ghadar Party — Key Changes

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Defense of India Act, 1915	1915	This was not a constitutional amendment but a draconian wartime ordinance enacted by the British government to suppress internal dissent and revolutionary activities, particularly those of the Ghadar Party. It allowed for summary trials, detention without trial, and severe penalties for sedition and conspiracy, bypassing normal legal procedures.	The Act was extensively used to prosecute Ghadarites in the Lahore Conspiracy Cases, leading to numerous convictions, executions, and imprisonments. It severely hampered the Ghadar Party's ability to operate within India and effectively crushed the planned 1915 uprising, demonstrating the British government's determination to suppress any challenge to its authority during wartime.
Immigration Act of 1907 (USA)	1907	While not directly an 'amendment' related to India, this US federal law significantly impacted Indian immigrants. It expanded the categories of 'undesirable aliens' and increased the head tax for immigrants, making it harder for Indians to enter the United States. It was part of a broader trend of anti-Asian immigration policies.	This act, along with similar Canadian regulations like the 'continuous journey' clause, contributed to the racial discrimination and economic hardship faced by Indian immigrants. These experiences were a primary catalyst for the formation of the Ghadar Party, as they fueled resentment against colonial rule and a desire for a free homeland where Indians would be treated with dignity.
Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919 (Rowlatt Act)	1919	Though enacted after the peak of Ghadar activities, this act was a direct continuation of the wartime repressive measures like the Defense of India Act. It allowed the government to imprison suspected terrorists without trial for up to two years, and gave the police powers to search places without a warrant.	The spirit of this act reflected the British government's ongoing fear of revolutionary movements, including the remnants of Ghadarite influence. It further curtailed civil liberties and led to widespread protests, notably the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, demonstrating the long-term impact of revolutionary threats on British policy and the Indian nationalist response.