z:\ ambedkar\vol-02\vol2-09.indd MK SJ+DK 21-9-2013 731
EVIDENCE : MR. M.K. ACHARYA AND OTHERS 731
Mr. M. K. Acharya: The formula I suggested was this : Before a measure affecting religion is introduced the Governor or the Governor-General should refer it to the opinion of the recognised religious heads of organisations in that Province, and after getting their opinions, and probably after modifying them so as to bring it in accordance with their opinions, it might be introduced, and all that it is for the Governor or the Governor-General to decide.
10,761. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: May I take from you that whether a certain piece of legislation affects the fundamentals of your religion or not is a matter which is to be decided by the heads of the religious institutions ?
Mr. M. K. Acharya: Certainly so. They are the competent judges to decide.
10,762. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Mr. Acharya, you are a Brahmin by caste ?
Mr. M. K. Acharya: Yes.
10,763. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Mr. Deshpande, you are a Brahmin by caste ?
Mr. Deshpande: Yes.
10,764. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Mr. Bannerjee, are you a Brahmin by caste ?
Mr. J. Bannerjee : Yes.
10,765. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Mr. Acharya, is not it a fact that in the Hindu religion nobody can be a priest unless he is a Brahmin by birth ?
Mr. M. K. Acharya: It is not a fact.
10,766. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: You mean any Hindu in practice can officiate as a priest at any Hindu ceremony ?
Mr. M. K. Acharya: No, it does not mean that.
10,767. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: That is my question?
Mr. M. K. Acharya: Please put it properly.
10,768. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Whether anyone who is not a Brahmin can officiate and perform any religious ceremony ?
Mr. M. K. Acharya: A very simple question. Every community, subcommunity or class has got its priest from that community or sub-community. A Brahmin will not go to certain communities.
10,769. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: 1 am telling you most respectfully that that is not a correct statement ?
Mr. M. K. Acharya: That is the truth, as far as I know.
10,770. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Does Mr. Deshpande know ?
Mr. Deshpande: It is so now.
Mr. M. K. Acharya: A Brahmin will not officiate for certain things.
10,771. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: The heads of all religious institutions are Brahmins, are they not ?
Mr. Deshpande: No. In Bombay Presidency there is a very huge Mutt