1022 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Shariat, but subject to variations introduced by established custom or usage or by local laws.
(c) So far as I am aware, the Government of West Bengal have done nothing to alter the personal law applicable to Muslims in Cooch-Behar. After the Cooch-Behar (Assimilation of Laws) Bill is passed by this House and is brought into force, that Government will, in due course and after due consideration, bring the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937 into force in Cooch-Behar under clause
3(2) of the Bill.
Dr. N. M. Das : May I know whether the Hon. Minister of Law thinks it necessary and advisable to ascertain the opinion of the Cooch-Behar Muslims about the change that will be introduced by the West Bengal Government ?
Dr. Ambedkar : That matter is left to the West Bengal Government.
Shri Syamnandan Sahaya: Is there any proposal pending the consideration of the Government for bringing before this Parliament a Muslim Code also?
Dr, Ambedkar: No.
Shri Tyagi : Is it the intention of Government to bring a law to regulate the Muslim Law in India also and to effect reforms in respect of the system of polygamy that is prevalent amongst Muslims ?
Mr. Speaker: That question was put and answered.
Shri Tyagi: I want to know whether it is the intention of Government to effect reforms in the previous Muslim Law ?
Mr. Speaker: There is no intention of bringing a Muslim Code. That is what the Minister said and it covers all points.
Shri A. C. Guha: Have Government under contemplation any proposal to bring a uniform civil law for all Commuinities, according to our Constitution ?
Dr. Ambedkar : I have very much the matter at heart; but I have no time.