990 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
I am trying to look at this measure from the point of view of those who are opposing it either in whole or in part. Just as we may appreciate the depth of the feelings of those who are supporting this measure, so also the depth of feelings of those who are opposing it must be appreciated. How to find a solution ? From the papers we find that for strategic reasons it has been decided to omit the consideration of some portions of this Bill.
Dr. Ambedkar : Strategic reasons ?
Dr. S. P. Mookerjee : A sort of toss is supposed to have been taken. On the one side are marriage and divorce and on the other side is property and somehow marriage and divorce have won the day, and property has been relegated to the background for the time being.
An Hon. Member : Property has won the day.
Dr. S. P. Mookerjee : Is it possible for us on the consideration of the amendments which are now before the House under clause 2 to devise some procedure whereby it may be left open to those who desire to come under the Code to take the fullest advantage of its provisions, and at the same time give freedom to those who do not believe in the sanctity or legality or justice of the provisions to continue to be governed by existing Hindu Law ?
Shri Bharati : That is uniformity.
Dr. S. P. Mookerjee : That is a proposal which I am making in a perfectly relevant manner on the basis of the various amendments which you have ordered to be placed before the House for consideration.
I have been told by some friends that we are liable to criticism for our backwardness in many foreign countries. During the last few days I have been told that some people have come and said that in China they are watching when the Hindu Code Bill will be passed !
Pandit Maitra : In Honolulu too !
Dr. S. P. Mookerjee : In America some people are supposed to be watching as regards the progressive nature of the Indian people in relation to their attitude towards the Hindu Code.
Shri Gadgil : Old rishis are watching from Heaven also.
Dr. S. P. Mookerjee : That I consider to be an entirely irrelevant consideration. Let us look at the American laws. I was trying to get some information with regard to the American laws. I find that in
26 different States in America they do not allow marriage between