42 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
The following are the terms and conditions on which the Depressed Classes will consent, to place themselves under a majority rule in a self-governing India.
Condition No. 1 :
EQUAL CITIZENSHIP
The Depressed Classes cannot consent to subject themselves to majority rule in their present state of hereditary bondsmen. Before majority rule is established their emancipation from the System of untouchability must be an accomplished fact. It must not be left to the will of the majority. The Depressed Classes must be made free citizens entitled to all the rights of citizenship in common with other citizens of the State.
( A ) To secure the abolition of untouchability and to create the equality of citizenship, it is proposed that the following fundamental right shall be made part of the constitution of India.
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT
“ All subjects of the State in India are equal before the law and possess equal civic rights. U.S.A. Constitution Any existing enactment, regulation, Amendment XIV and Government of order, custom or interpretation of law Ireland Act 1920, by which any penalty, disadvantage,
10 & 11, Geo. V. disability is imposed upon or any Ch. 67, Sec. 5 (2). discrimination is made against any subject of the State on account of untouchability shall, as from the day on which this Constitution comes into operation, cease to have any effect in India.”
( B ) To abolish the immunities and exemptions now enjoyed by
executive officers by virtue of Sections This is so in all Constitutions. 110 and 111 of the Government of India See Prof. Keith’s Act 1919 and their liability for executive remarks in Cmd. action be made co-extensive with what it is
207, p. 56. in the case of a European British Subject.
Condition No. II:
FREE ENJOYMENT OF EQUAL RIGHTS
It is no use for the Depressed Classes to have a declaration of
equal rights. There can be no doubt that the Depressed Classes
will have to face the whole force of orthodox society if they try
to exercise the equal rights of citizenship. The Depressed Classes
therefore feel that if these declarations of rights are not to be
mere pious pronouncements, but are to be realities of everyday
life, then they should be protected by adequate pains and penalties
from interference in the enjoyment of these declared rights.