514 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
from the mind of the honourable Law minister to effect this result. He made it quite clear in his speech that the provisions relating to marriage are not compulsory but rather optional. It may be that the effect was unintended. But whether intended or not, the effect is the same. No marriage shall be valid unless it is performed in accordance with this Part, which also carries the liability of a fine for an omission. However reluctant the house or even the author of the Bill may be to put this interpretation, it is yet a question of interpretation and it is not a question of sentiment. The point is whether this interpretation is valid. If that is so, it introduces a very important change. To provide, though indirectly that a marriage would be invalid unless it is registered would be a dangerous proposition and it would lead to wholesale breaches of the law. The registering officer may live miles away from parties living in inaccessible regions, and at this stage of the civilisation of our country, especially for the backward people, this provision would be absolutely tyrranical and meaningless.
Shri L. Krishnaswami Bharathi : If you would permit me,
Sir ..................
Mr. Speaker : Let there be no discussion on the merits of the argument.
Shri L. Krishnaswami Bharathi : Only for the purpose of clarification that I rise.
Mr. Speaker : If we enter into clarification and further discussion, it would be an unending speech. The point is that the honourable Member is putting his interpretation. I have drawn his attention to the fact that, it does not affect the validity of the marriage. If he wants still to persist in that line of argument, let him do so. That will cut short the speech.
Shri L. Krishnaswami Bharathi : If you would permit me, Sir, there is only one point which he may clarify. The clause begins with the words “For the purpose of facilitating the proof of any sacramental marriage ........................ [”]
Mr. Speaker : That point is quite clear to my mind. I put it to him though not in that form. I pointed out to him that this does not affect the validity of the marriage at all. Still he thinks it does. How can we go on convincing him ? Let him proceed now. That would be the shortest way of having his say before us. Otherwise we shall have to discuss with him every provision in respect of which, he is giving his inferences. When honourable members are hearing his speech in