DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 481
Mr. Speaker : Is he referring to the original Bill ?
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : Yes. And that definition has been entirely omitted in the Departmental Bill without any indication being given anywhere about this omission. There is a mere reference in the margin to the original clause. This sub-clause has been omitted, and there is no indication to be found of it. I submit, Sir, that the Select Committee’s attention was not specifically drawn to this omission, and whether these are substantial matters or not, there cannot be much difference of opinion. At any rate the Select Committee was entitled to be told that these changes were made ; whether these are substantial changes or not may vary from individual to individual. But the Select Committee was entitled to know that these changes were made. But they were not told.
And then we come to sub-clause (f) of the same clause and here we find that the definitions of Gotra and Pravara have been omitted. And then in sub-clause (j) the definition of Stridhan has also been omitted. Therefore the definition of Caste, the definition of Gotra, the definition of Pravara, and the definition of Stridhan are entirely omitted. What effect this would produce on the Bill, cannot be explained shortly on the floor of the House.
Shri A. Thanu Pillai (Travancore State) : May I know from the honourable Member whether even if the definition is not of a term required in the law, it should be defined ?
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : I think the honourable Member is not proceeding as cautiously as he should. In fact, whether a definition is wanted or not wanted is not the question. A definition was in the Bill and that was removed by somebody, without any authority. The Departmental Committee removed it, and the attention of the Select Committee, who was alone competent to remove it, was not drawn to this fact.
Shrimati G. Durgabai : The Select Committee takes full respon sibility for it.
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : This was not considered by the Select Committee.
Shri M. Tirumala Rao (Madras : General): Are you sure that the compositor did not omit it ?
Mr. Speaker : Those who interrupt can also be called obstructionists. If interrupted he will take longer time over it.