DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 973
“who, if he has attained the age of eighteen years, is himself a Hindu and”
(vi) In part (c)(i) of sub-clause (1) of clause 2, after “parents are” insert “or have been”.
(vii) In part (d) of sub-clause (1) of clause 2, at the end, add : “subject to his rights and liabilities before his conversion.”
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Let me pause here. Let us understand the implications of this. Shri Jaspat Roy Kapoor wants that notwithstanding change of religion by a Hindu after the passing of this Code, his rights and liabilities must be regulated by the Hindu Code. This amendment wants that if a person wants to change and become a convert, his rights and liabilities under his original religion ought not to be affected.
Shri Naziruddin Ahmad : If he is wrong, I am also equally wrong. We are in a vicious circle. That goes against the very idea of conversion. If a man is converted, he loses his past and begins a new chapter. As Mr. Kapoor has submitted his amendment, I am submitting this amendment. Both should be accepted or both should be rejected.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Both the hon. Members want to avoid any change in their legal or civic rights as a result of conversion. Conversion ought not to affect their rights and liabilities with respect to property, succession, etc.
Shri Naziruddin Ahmad : There is an old Act which saves the past rights of Hindus converted to Christianity. That also reserves past rights and liabilities.
(viii) Then, I beg to move :
After sub-clause (1) of clause 2, insert :
“(1A) This Code shall not apply to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.”
Dr. M. M. Das (West Bengal) : May I know what right the hon. Member has got to speak on behalf of the Scheduled Castes ?
Shri Naziruddin Ahmad : At present, I am only moving my amendments. I am not trying to explain them ; I am not now trying to convince my hon. Friend.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : There are some people who are more loyal to others than others themselves.
Shri Naziruddin Ahmad : I shall state my reasons. There are certain parts of the Code which would be too much for them to