DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 569
but I do feel so—will result in the utter extinction of the Hindu society, not in the sense that thirty million Hindus will cease to exist, but that the distinctive features and characteristics of the Hindu society will cease to continue.
This is not a simple measure. But the fact is that this Bill aims at the utter demolition of the entire structure and fabric of Hindu society. It aims at changing the law of marriage, the law divorce, the law of adoption, law relating to minority and guardianship, the Law of the Hindu joint family, the law of succession and everything that constitute and what remains of the features of Hindu society. The very foundations not only of one pillar but of all the pillars on which the Hindu society rests, are shaken. Therefore, Sir, it is but neat and proper that we as legislators, we who are the guardians of the interests of the people should discharge our duty to the best of our ability and see how far the measure that we are considering is wanted by public opinion in the country. To characterise this measure as a simple piece of legislation is, I respectfully submit, not fair.
My further submission is that if it is not proper to characterise it as a simple piece of legislation, it is still more unbefitting to characterise it as an essential measure. What is the need, I respectfully ask, for this measure ? What will happen if this Bill is deferred and not brought on the Statute Book till the new legislature, the sovereign Parliament to be elected in free India on adult franchise is elected ? Is there any malady from which the Hindu society is so vitally suffering that if a few months pass without this Bill being placed on the Statute Book, the whole society will crumble ? I submit that in no sense of the term is it essential. We can very well afford to wait for one or two years more. The Hindu society which had successfully stood the test of centuries, the clash of many civilisations, the clash of foreign aggression and had been subjected for centuries to political subjugation can very well survive without this piece of legislation for a year or two more.
Sir, if we wait for . . .
Shri S. Nagappa (Madras: General) : Sir, on a point of order. The hon. Member is casting aspersions on the House when he said that this house is not competent to deal with this matter and that we should wait till a new house is elected.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: There is no point of order in what Mr. Nagappa has said.