DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 897
the same rules of adoption. All the same they are governed by Hindu Law, because in some cases they have no other law, and in other cases they profess to be Hindus. Therefore, if it comes to a question between the phrases “professing the Hindu religion” and “Hindu by religion” I will prefer the former.
And now, let me come to another aspect of the matter. There is this question of converts, and Dr. Ambedkar has himself brought forward an amendment in this respect. But I maintain that so far as Hinduism is concerned, this word “convert” is not applicable. I can understand reconversion to Hinduism, though I do not know much about it, there is no conversion to Hinduism because Hinduism is not a proselytising religion. To speak of a convert to Hinduism is absolutely meaningless. There cannot be any conversion to Hinduism. Anyone living in Hinduism is a Hindu, unless he clearly says that he is not a Hindu, that he is a Muslim, or a Parsi, or a Christian or Jew. That has been the position from time immemorial. There cannot be a convert to Hinduism. Will Dr. Ambedkar kindly tell me what are the ceremonies to be performed for a conversion to Hinduism ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Prayaschitham.
Shri R. K. Chaudhuri : Can anyone be converted into a Hindu ? Did Dr. Annie Besant convert herself to Hinduism ? Can Dr. Ambedkar give any example of a conversion to Hinduism ?
Dr. Ambedkar : There are so many decided cases on the subject and if my friend will only refer to the first few pages of Mulla’s Hindu Law he would get all the information that he wants.
Shri R. K. Chaudhuri : If Dr. Ambedkar is referring to “Sudhi” that is a different thing. It relates to a Hindu who has left Hinduism and is again brought into the Hindu fold. But what is the procedure or the ceremony for converting any one into a Hindu ? If it is a case of conversion, I know the process. The person concerned must fast for a certain period.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Is the hon. Member trying to fix the procedure for reconversions of Hindus, in this Code ?
Shri R. K. Chaudhuri : I am only saying that there can be reconversions into Hinduism, but there cannot be a conversion. Do not use the word “convert” here. Use some other word.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Courts have decided that there can be a convert to Hinduism even though he did not belong to the Hindu fold originally.