DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 901
Several Hon. Members : No no.
Shri B. Das : I want that on clause 2 there should be a closure……….
Several Hon. Members : No no.
Mr. Speaker : Order, order, hon. Members need not say yes or no. Let there be a motion for closure and if it is the general feeling that there has been sufficient discussion, I will accept closure. But, even if I accept it, the matter rests with the House ; they may acceptor reject the closure motion. As regards the character of the debate, though I do feel that we are going into very general remarks, yet, I myself do not know how the discussion could be restricted, particularly in view of the nature of clause 2. Some communities are sought to be included ; some are sought to be excluded. There are amendments on both sides. Therefore, a general survey to justify the inclusion or exclusion of the provisions becomes to some extent at least necessary. That is why I was feeling difficulty in restricting debate on that point. However, I believe there are no points or explanations to be asked. Let us proceed immediately with the consideration of the Bill.
- Shri Syamnandan Sahaya (Bihar) : The debate has now gone on for full two days. If the speeches made in this House are any indication of the reception that the Code is going to have in the country, even an optimist and ardent supporter of the Code like the Hon. Dr. Ambedkar should have no difficulty in arriving at the correct conclusion.
Shri B. K. P. Sinha (Bihar) : May I point out, Sir, that the supporters of the Bill have not spoken so far.
Shri Syamnandan Sahaya : It is no fault of the House, or even of those who do not agree with this Code if the supporters of the Bill do not like to rise and support their cause. How are we to know how many of them in their own hearts support and outwardly do not propose to do so ?
Shrimati Renuka Ray (West Bengal) : Take the vote and see.
Shri Raj Bahadur (Rajasthan) : If I understood correctly, Sir, you are at present calling those hon. Members who have moved amendments.
Mr. Speaker : Anybody, who wishes to support or oppose the Bill is welcome to do so.
Shri Syamanandan Sahaya : Sir, this bill has been, in various stages, before the country for, if I may say so, quite a long time,
- P.D., Vol. VIII, Part II, 7th February 1951, pp. 2488-99.