DRAFT CONSTITUTION 727
Sir, the object of this is merely to give effect to the decision of the
House that there shall hereafter be no separate electorates at all. As a
matter of fact this clause is unnecessary because by later amendments
we shall be deleting the provisions contained in the Draft Constitution
which make provision for representations of Muslims, Sikhs, Anglo-Indians
and so on. Consequently this is unnecessary. But it is the feeling that
since we have taken a very important decision which practically nullifies
the past it is better that the Constitution should in express terms State
and that is the reason why I have brought forward this amendament.
Mr. President : Do I take it that only for the purpose of discussion
you have brought it up and that you do not want it to be passed ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No, Sir, not like mat. I
have moved the amendment. I was only giving the reasons why I have
brought it up.
I shall move the other amendment also for inserting new article 289 B, I move :
“That for amendment No. 3087 of the List of Amendments, the following
be substituted :—
“That after article 289-A, the following new article be inserted :—
289-B. The elections to the House of the People
and to the Legislative assembly of every State shall
be on the basis of adult suffrage, that is to say, every
citizen, who is not less than twenty-one years of age on Elections to the House of the such date as may be fixed in this behalf by or under People and to the Legislative any law made by the appropriate Legislature and is Assemblies of states to be on not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or the basis of adult suffrage. any law made by the appropriate Legislature on the
ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime
or corrupt or illegal practice, shall be entitled to be
registered as a voter at any such election.’”
[Amendment was adopted. Article 289-B was added to the Constitution.]
ARTICLE 290
- The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, I move :
“That for article 290, the following article be substituted :—
Power of Parliament to make provisions with respect to elections to Legislatures.
- Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may from time to time by law make Provisions with respect to ail matters relating to, or in connection with, elections to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State including matters necessary for securing the due constitution of such House or Houses and the delimitation of constituencies.”
*CAD, Vol. VIII, 16th June 1949, p. 932.