DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 383
him to quote that instance, but may I quote the other instance where there are 12 daughters and one son. What will happen if the Hindu Code Bill as it stands is applied in this case ? The family property will have to be divided among all the daughters and one son. The son will be left in a little corner of the house, and if the daughters get married, they have got the right to bring their husbands and they have the right to dispose of the portion of the House to a stranger. Therefore the one little son like a little mouse will creep here and there and he would not have even a comfortable cosy corner to live in.
Therefore, Sir, this question of property is a very vexed question and we might consider whether a daughter instead of getting the property herself, whether she might not be allowed an equivalent share of the property in cash or jewellery, or whatever she might choose to have, as it was done in ancient times and in Vedic times. There was no property share at the time of marriage but she was given ample dowry in leu of the share of the property.
The Assembly then adjourned for Lunch till Half Past Two of the Clock.
The Assembly re-assembled after Lunch at Half Past Two of the Clock.
Mr. Chairman (Shri S. V. Krishnamoorthy Rao) in the Chair.
Mr. Chairman : Before we begin the debate, I would like to make a suggestion. There are about 25 names on the list. This is a very important measure and as many speakers as possible would like to give their views on the Code. Therefore, I would request honourable Members to be as brief as possible and refer only to the relevant points for or against the Bill.
Babu Ramnarayan Singh (Bihar: General): Sir, my name also may be included in the list.
Shri B. Das (Orissa : General): I did not know that I had to send in my name; I thought I would catch the eye of the Speaker.
Mr. Chairman : That is why I am telling honourable members to be as brief as possible and refer only to the salient points for or against the Bill. Members who want to speak may kindly send chits.
Mr. Tajamul Husain (Bihar : Muslim): May I know, Sir, whether my name is in the list ? I spoke to the Deputy Speaker yesterday on Friday last.