DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 369
Shri Sita Ram S. Jajoo (Madhya Bharat): What is the objection if it applies to Indian States as well ?
Shri V. S. Sarwate : What I am saying is that it should apply. I am in favour of it. I do not understand, why honourable members without allowing me to speak, go on anticipating me and pass certain remarks. I was submitting that the Bill should apply to the Indian States. I was only submitting that if it is to so apply and that is very much my wish, then there arises a fundamental right, which you ought in justice grant to every large area which is to be governed by your bill, to express its opinion. This Bill was not published in these large areas and therefore the peoples there were not in a position to give to the Bill that serious consideration which they would otherwise have given. Now when they know that the Bill would apply to them, and the Bill is published they would be in a position to express their reaction. It is a fundamental right of every person to be given an opportunity to express his opinion regarding any legislation which is going to effect him. It is further the duty of every representative of theirs to ascertain their views before he gives his vote here. Therefore, both from the point of view of the representatives of the States and from the point of view of the people of the States, it is only just that some time should be allowed to them to give their opinion. Therefore, I suggest a via media, that if in any case this Bill is not going to be finished in this session, if that be the contingency, which I think it may be, the honourable the mover of the Bill may consider whether it would not be desirable to take this up in a special session later on ; the time that may intervene, namely two or three or four months would be quite sufficient to get the reactions of those people. I think this would be just and would also be in accordance with the spirit of the publication provisions. I appeal to the House to see whether justice does not require this. It should not be presumed that the last word has said been on the Code. It may be that the humblest of the humble may come forward with suggestions which may be useful to the learned Doctor. If opportunity is thus given, it would both satisfy the ends of justice and may be useful also.
With this appeal, I have finished, Sir.
Shri H. V. Kamath : Mr Chairman…………………
Shri B. Das (Orissa: General): On a point of order, Sir, can a bachelor, who has not married and has not begotten a son too offer pind to his forefathers, make, a speech on this Bill and contribute to the discussion ?