DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 1081
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Hon. Members are entitled to speak on both sides.
Dr. Deshmukh (Madhya Pradesh) : After all, clause 2 does not make any distinction between different portions of the Code as it has been placed before us. If my hon. friend does not say at the present stage all that he wants to say with respect to the other Chapters, he will be precluded from saying them later, because clause 2 is of general application to the whole Code and does not refer merely to marriage and divorce. Once clause 2 is accepted, it will apply to the whole Code and unless we have an amendment saying that it applies to marriage and divorce only—and no such amendment is before us from Government—I think the hon. Member cannot be stopped from bringing in other Chapters.
Shri J. R. Kapoor (Uttar Pradesh) : Even if clause 2 is passed in this form or an amended from, it will not preclude any one from saying at any subsequent stage that any particular portion or Chapter shall not be applicable to this section of the community or that. Take for instance the question of succession and inheritance. When that Chapter is taken up, it will certainly be open to us to add a clause to the effect that this part of the Code shall not be applicable to Sikhs or this or that community. The passing of clause 2 would leave the door open to discuss the matter later on and it may be advisable for all of us, if we are agreed on the marriage and divorce laws subject to such amendments as may be acceptable, to proceed with the Bill.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : I am in a fix. I thought I would be able to ask hon. Members to conclude the debate on this matter having regard to the statement by the Hon. the Prime Minister that the Chapter on marriage and divorce only will be taken up. He said so particularly. Now, if clause 2 is to apply to all the other Chapters I do not know how I can ask the hon. Members not to refer to them. That is my fear. I would like elucidation from the Hon. the Law Minister. Otherwise the scope will become wider and it would not be reasonable for me to say that the debate shall be concluded so early.
Dr. Ambedkar : The Hon. the Prime Minister stated the other day that the House will rise on the 6th.
Shri Naziruddin Ahmad : That is only provisional.
Dr. Ambedkar : Whatever it may be, it is there. I think I can say without giving away the position of the Government that it is quite clear that it would not be possible to proceed in this session beyond the