878 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
I was submitting that that would create confusion and disorder and the whole society would be upset. That is not what is intended by this Code. That would not be progress; that would not be advancement, but would be rather a retrograde step. Therefore, so far as we are concerned, do not pull us back. Let us go on. You should consider us to be in the vanguard and follow us as we go further. That would be better perhaps for us, for the whole country and for all concerned.
There is another thing that I wanted to submit.
Shrimati Durgabai (Madras) : Sir, may I ask a question ?
Mr. Speaker : It would be better that the hon. Member is allowed to go on without these arguments and counter arguments, if we really want to progress with the matter. All that I would earnestly appeal to all the Members is to be very attentive to the arguments advanced instead of putting questions at each stage. It is better that hon. Members hear all what a gentleman has to say and then advance their arguments. I am going to give full chance to all people who want to speak.
Shrimati Durgabai : I am just asking a question, Sir,....
Mr. Speaker : Whatever that may be, let us allow the members to have their say. Otherwise, there are these interferences, these attempts to draw replies—I am noticing it, there are constant interferences notwithstanding my appeals not to interrupt—with the result that not only is the link of the speaker’s argument broken, but more time is taken, and I do feel that even the seriousness of the debate is being lost. We are here legislating on very vital matters. Let us, therefore, seriously and anxiously hear whatever every member has to say, instead of passing remarks or putting questions, just by way of explanation or drawing explanation on particular words. Let us be patient with the speaker.
Sardar Hukam Singh : Then, Sir, I come to my last point, and that is rather painful. I want to bring it to the notice of the House that the Sikhs have already certain apprehensions; some might say that they are unfounded. Whatever it may be, we have this apprehension that there is an attempt to absorb the Sikhs and efface their traditions and culture. . . .
Several, Hon. Members : No. no
Sardar Hukam Singh : . . .usage and custom. They have certain grounds. They have always complained that they have not been fairly treated. One instance that they have cited is that while it was being