DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 1129
- HINDU CODE— contd.
Shri Amolakh Chand (Uttar Pradesh) : May I draw your attention Sir, before Pandit Malaviya resumes his speech, about a cartoon which appeared in today’s Indian News Chronicle, about which I have sent a note to you ? May I know whether that will be taken up just now or on some other date ?
Hon. Members : What is the subject matter of the cartoon ?
Shri Amolakh Chand : May I, with the permission of the Chair, just satisfy the curiosity of hon. Members about this cartoon ?
Mr. Deputy Speaker: I have received this cartoon published in the Indian News Chronicle. I think it shows my likeness. It is a cartoon of a clock where both the hands are being held up by some of the hon. Members who have spoken against this Bill, but underneath the very pendulum is said to be held intact, not moving forward or backward, by a representation of myself. So long as the speaker is here that is another matter. But casting aspersions on the Chair is not only unjustified and undignified but here it is also opposed to the facts. I do not know if any hon. Member will ever raise any point that whatever might be my differences I have done anything unjust in this House.
Hon. Members: No, no.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Therefore, I will look into this matter. It is a very serious matter—it does not matter whosoever may be in the Chair—to cast aspersions on the Chair. The moment the House feels that the person who occupies the Chair for the time being is not doing justice, it knows what to do, so far as that person is concerned. But it is not for outsiders to caricature, and it is an aspersion on the whole House. I shall look into this matter leisurely and then find out what action should be taken. However, I do not want this to interrupt the progress of this Bill.
Shri T. N. Singh (Uttar Pradesh) : At the same time, whatever the action about that particular cartoon be, we do feel that the Press should not come out with anything which casts aspersions on the Chair of this august House, and it should be prevented. I feel that the matter, since it has been raised, is rather important and it should not be postponed in this fashion, I would urge that once the matter has been raised, we should certainly take it up right now and the House should express its disapproval.
- P.D., Vol. XV, Part II, 20th September 1951, pp. 2901-19