784 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
postponed it should be postponed immediately as it is till such future date as Government may fix for it.
Pandit M. B. Bhargava (Ajmer): I have not been able to follow the Hon. Law Minister’s proposal. Does he want the Chair to rule for all time to come that in this House no adjournment motion shall be brought forward ? It is a constitutional issue that is sought to be raised and it is for the Chair to rule. As I understand it, it is an absolute right of every Member of the House to bring forward an adjournment motion at any time. Of course it will be for the Chair to admit it or not. If the Chair thinks that it is a dilatory motion it will not grant permission. Even if the Chair rules that such a motion is admissible, then it will be for the House to discuss it and then accept it or reject it. But so far as the right of a Member is concerned, it is an absolute right and he can move an adjournment motion at any stage. If you put clause 2 to the House and say that any time during the progress of the Bill there can be no postponement whatsoever, it is a constitutional issue.
Shri Naziruddin Ahmad : That is subject to the speaker’s consent.
Mr. Speaker : I do not think I will express any opinion just at present as to whether in future any motion for adjournment can or would be allowed. That will depend upon the circumstances existing at the time such a motion is brought before the House. The Hon. Law Minister’s point seems to be that the House is—not constitutionally or legally but— morally committed to the position that no dilatory motions just with a view to obtain the postponement of the Bill should be brought forward . . . . . .
Dr. Ambedkar : That is all.
Mr. Speaker : That seems to be his only point. I do not think that he meant to fetter the constitutional rights of Members. I would, therefore suggest that instead of putting clause 2 to the House and then postponing the matter, let us adjourn straightaway without putting the motion on clause 2 of the Bill, with a declaration about our moral commitment that such a motion will not be brought forward just for the purpose of securing postponement and no other object.
Some Hon. Members : No, no.
Mr. Speaker : The point is very important one. While the Law Minister was making a statement to that effect, though I could see his point and the force of it, I myself am not expressing a final opinion. I am open to conviction. No one need think that it will be possible