34 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
There is no doubt, Sir, that the provisions of this Bill are extremely farreaching and the provisions about marriage, divorce, inheritance and
adoption that are being brought forward are extremely redical measures. It is an extremely important matter and the codification of Hindu law will certainly be looked upon as one of the most momentous pieces of
legislation that has ever been brought forward in this House.
Sir, without going into the different clauses of this Bill, I welcome
this measure. Sir, it is by the status of the women of a country that the society of that country is judged and there is no doubt that the Hindu women were very backward in India. The Muslims have taken
pride in the fact that the Shariat law gives them great rights. I agree with my Honourable friend, Dr. Pattabhi when he said that although the Shariat has given many rights, they are not followed in the letter
and I do know that there are many parts in India today where in spite of the fact that Muslim women do enjoy all the rights given to them by Shariat, they are not being followed in the letter at all.
In the Punjab the customary law still prevails and the daughters are absolutely disinherited from the property of their fathers. In the same way in the U.P. although in some parts of the Province Shariat has
prevailed, Muslim women do not share in the property amongst the talukdars and therefore, I am glad that this piece of legislation that is being brought forward will put the Hindu women on a par with
Muslim women as far as their rights are concerned. As I said, Sir, I hope that no section of society will oppose this measure. There is no doubt that this being such a fundamental treasure and also
connected in many ways with religion, there will be certain sections of society amongst the Hindus who will oppose it, but, Sir, it needs courageous minds to bring forward courageous measures and there fore, I hope that orthodox opinion in the country which looks with disfavour upon this legislation will not stand in the way of its being passed and I hope that this Bill that is going now to the Select Committee will come out even in a more improved form and that this measure will not be delayed. Society should not be static and as we go forward on the road to progress, it is necessary that women should come into their own and unless the women of India stand on their own feet economically, it is absolutely impossible for India to go forward on the road to progress. With these few words, I give my whole-hearted support to this measure.