1300 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
bring in any measure if it does not conflict with our shastras and our religion. My amendment relates to the following :
“any text, rule, or interpretation of Hindu law, or any custom or usage or any other law in force immediately prior to the commencement of this Code shall cease to have effect as respects any of the matters dealt with in this Code.”
“Any other law in force immediately before the commencement of this Code shall cease to have effect in so far as it is inconsistent with the provisions of this Code.”
I want to submit that I have no objection to this legislation. It is alright but if there is anything which is against any religion, Hindu, Sikh or Jain then it would not apply to it.
Shir Naziruddin Ahmad : And Muslims ?
Shri Jhunjhunwala : Muslims do not come in the purview of this Bill. Then, in the next amendment, there is morality in place of religion. You cannot provide for anything in the law which has its effect on the morality of the people and which leads to their moral degeneration. This is what I have to say. This amendment should be added. We have been given this right under the Constitution. If this amendment is not accepted, I would think that our Government is slandering and vilifying our religion. They should not do it.
My third amendment is based on Article 29, wherein the following has been said about culture:
“29. (1) Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.”
My submission is that if this code affects or comes in conflict with our culture or the culture of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains or the culture of any section of the Hindus, then again it shall not be applicable under those circumstances.
[Mr. Deputy Speaker in the Chair ]
Therefore, while moving these threee amendments before the House,. I would urge the Hon. Members to accept my amendments first and then pass the clause. In the first instance I would ask them, not to pass the clause at all but if they pass it my amendments should also be accepted along with it. I would not take any more time now and finish.
(English translation concluded).