DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 951
in the country should be left out. We must let the next election take place when representatives would be elected on adult franchise. If at that time we think it necessary to bring up the provisions concerning social reforms, we may move them as amendments to this present Bill and pass them. Such an approach will cover both the things. It would bring about an amalgamation of the laws and with that we would also avoid the controversial points.
One thing more should be done. As my friend Shri Jaspat Roy Kapoor said, its application should not be made obligatory on all people. Of course, such social reforms should be brought about through legislation ; but it is imperative to mould public opinion in their favour. It would not be ill-advised to make it applicable only over those who accept it and not try to make it binding on the entire population. Therefore, I would again submit that it were better for this Bill not to have come up before us at all. I am also of the opinion that in keeping with the ideals of our Constitution if we could make this Bill in the times to come applicable to the entire society, according to the amendments moved by Shri Jaspat Roy Kapoor or others we must endeavour to make it such. Along with this we should also endeavour not to make it applicable compulsorily over the people. It may be applied to those people only who accept it, or else in the existing conditions we may leave out its controversial portions and so far as the matter of amalgamation goes, we may do it in as much as we are unanimous about it.
- Shri Hussain Imam : Sir, today I also want to speak in my own language as our Seth Govind Das has delivered a good speech.”
Prof. Ranga : Why not speak in English, so that we may follow ?
Shri Hussain Imam : In considering the Hindu Code Bill, ordinarily, I would not have taken part in the debate, because it is a measure applicable to my sister community and as such they should have the right to have whatever they wish for themselves.
Shri Tyagi (Uttar Pradesh) : But the amendment covers you.
Shri Hussain Imam : That is the reason for my rising to speak. Some of my hon. friends are anxious to bring us under the purview of this measure. Well, there would have been no objection on our
*P.D., Vol. VIII, Part II, 7th February 1951, pp. 2550-55.