DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 1085
Probably they are better, though the provisions that we are going to agree here is a compromise. We are having this compromise simply because we are going to have a Code. In case the present law is going to be confined to marriage and divorce, why not leave those laws which are passed by the different provinces alone and leave it to the people of those provinces to choose. This is an important issue which you have to consider.
Pandit Malaviya (Uttar Pradesh) : May I suggest to the Hon. the Law Minister whether it will not help if he did that at this stage rather than wait till the end ?
Dr. Ambedkar : I do not see any reason for doubting the motives of Government. I have said, and we propose to stand by what we have said.
Pandit Malaviya : I am surprised that he should think that there is any doubt of his motives in what I said. I asked, will it not help if he did it at this stage, because if that is the thing which we are considering, it might become a slightly different situation for some of us.
Dr. Ambedkar : Take it that it will be so.
Pandit Malaviya : When we are in Parliament legislating, it is difficult to take things unless they are done. I simply asked, will it therefore not help if it is done now.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : The Hon. the Law Minister has made the intention of the Government clear. My only difficulty is this—I am not asking him to do it immediately—but when once we pass clause 2 and take up clause 55 I have got a doubt technically as to whether we can modify clause 2 then, at that stage.
Dr. Ambedkar: At the time when you put this clause 2, I want to make a reservation that I reserve to myself the necessary liberty of making certain consequential amendments to clause 2.
Some Hon. Members : No, no. How can it be ?
Dr. Ambedkar: That is perfectly possible.
Pandit Malaviya : That is authoritarian and not parliamentary !
Mr. Deputy Speaker: There is nothing unparliamentary. The Hon. the Law Minister has been extremely reasonable. There is no good losing one’s reason or making recriminations. It does not contribute to the coolness of the atmosphere that must prevail here. I understand the Law Minister. He has no mental reservations. He wanted to bring it by way of amendment to clause 55. Then I thought