DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 947
administratively responsible for what has happened in Delhi. The property known as the clock tower is managed by the Delhi Administration and probably by the Delhi Municipal Committee. But if it is the desire of the House that it should know some facts I shall try to contact the proper authority and at about five I may be able to give some information.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Yes. The hon. Member may continue his speech.
*Seth Govind Das : - (English translation of the Hindi speech) Sir, I was submitting that it would have been very good if the Hon. Minister has not introduced this Bill at the present time. When I say this, it should not be inferred that I want to stick to the old customs or want to follow all that is given in our Smrities and Vedas. I have some knowledge of Sanskrit and I love my Indian culture, therefore, as far as Smrities and Vedas are concerned, they are not of the same opinion on every subject. If one Veda or Smriti says one thing regarding a particular subject another veda or Smriti says another thing regarding the same. We have always been lover of knowledge. Knowledge has always been given first place in our history and culture. We have admitted the fact that Kalabheden dharma bhedah i.e. Religion changes according to times. I admit that we need reforms and reforms should also be brought about through legislations. I remember the days when Raja Ram Mohan Ray pleaded the case for the abolition of sati. Even in those days there were people in the country who were in favour of Sati custom. I also remember those days when Iswarchandra Vidyasagar advocated the cause of widow remarriage and it was strongly opposed. Enough has been said regarding Sharda Act. I admit that child marriages have been prevented to a large extent due to the Sharda Act and to a greater extent this Sharda Act has tried to put an end to this bad custom of ours. Therefore, I admit that we have always been rational in our outlook. We should not follow the Vedas and Smrities blindly and we need laws to reform our society. But I could not understand one thing which our Minister said yesterday. He laughed at those persons who suggested that this Bill should be made applicable to the entire society as a whole. If we want to get our different societies knit in such a way, if we want to create such a society where there should be no class or caste distinction or so much difference as at present, then I submit that we need such a law
- P. D., Vol. VII, Part II, 7th February 1951, pp. 2545-49.