DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 873
[M R . S PEAKER in the Chair ]
Sir, so far as the Sikhs are concerned they have a very simple form of marriage. We might call it sacramental or dharmic marriage. It is known as Anand marriage. It is a simple and secular form of marriage. The couple sit down in the presence of the Guru Granth Saheb, they take a vow that they will remain united for ever—so long as they are alive, of course—and prayers are offered. Of course I might be confronted with this that this would be covered, and that it is not touched by the Hindu Code. But there are some implications which I am afraid would really affect me. There are certain degrees of relationship which are prohibited from marrying each other and these are strictly observed in all civilised societies. But so far as our society is concerned the list is not very large. Marriage between cousins has often been allowed. There have been many instances of marrying father’s sister’s daughter or mother’s sister’s daughter and they have not been considered as within the prohibited degree. And I tell you that you are driving your society towards that direction. We are far ahead of you. You are coming to that way. Do not be surprised at that. Now that you are proposing to give a share to the girl you are sure to come that way. You will have to march towards that direction.
An Hon. Member : What about Sikh Jats ?
Sardar Hukam Singh : What I am submitting relates mostly to Sikh Jats. The custom that I am talking of prevails mostly in Jats and Jats observe that. Ninety per cent of the Sikhs are agriculturists and live in villages.
I was asking now that you propose to pass this legislation, by which the daughter shall have a share. Here I might make my position clear and nobody need feel perturbed. I am for a share for the girl. I am not opposed to it. But when you proposed that, you will have to take the risk that this long list of prohibited degrees shall continue diminishing and shall contract as time passes. I suppose the present list is not as long as it used to be under the strict Hindu Law. And it is sure to contract as time passes.
Shri Tyagi : It will come nearer home.
Sardar Hukam Singh : Surely. You cannot keep the two things apart. When you take this from the Muslim law you will have to permit cousins and other near relations to be outside the prohibited degrees. There is no doubt about it. Be prepared for it. You will have to march near it. You cannot keep away from it.