DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 727
better and women will rise to the full stature of their womanhood. They will have full right to property. It will give them emancipation on the economic side. Under the new Constitution there is adult franchise. We have women Ministers in charge of different branches of Administration. We cannot limit the right of woman, the mistress of the house and say that she would be entitled only to maintenance but not other rights. That would be a gross injustice. It would be contrary to our ancient Laws. What was introduced in between might have suited the particular circumstances and conditions of those days, but they are all outworm. They are not part of the Hindu religion and should be done away with. We should get rid of this jungle growth and go back to Vedic conceptions. These are briefly my submissions and I would ask everybody to give them their serious consideration.
The Honourable Shri K. Santhanam (Minister of State for Transport and Railways) : May I ask one question in clarification? Supposing a woman becomes a co-parcener in her husband’s family ... will her share be part of the husband’s share or will it be separate?
Dr. Bakhshi Tek Chand : So long as they are joint, it will be joint ownership of the whole family just as you and your sons are co-parceners in the property; but if there is a division, then she will become independent. It is a new addition just as a son. It is very simple.
An Honourable Member : Sir, the question may now be put.
Some Honourable Members : No. no.
Maulana Hasrat Mohani (U. P. : Muslim): I will take only five minutes.
Some Honourable Members : rose —
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Order, order. Will all Members kindly take their seats? I find a large number of Members interested in speaking, but as I said yesterday, if we go on at this rate, we may have no time even if we sit for a month or two months. There is no tendency on the part of Members to limit their speeches. This Hindu Code covers not only Hindus, Hindu law of marriage and customs but it applies to Jains and Sikhs also. It does not apply to Muslims, Christians and Parsis. (interruption).
An Honourable Member : There are clauses which affect other people also.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Hon. Members know fully well that when the Speaker is on his legs, no Member should get up. I need not remind