PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1065
The Prime Minister (Shri Jawaharlal Nehru): My colleague, the Law Minister has made it quite clear that neither I nor any other member of the Government can give an assurance against the law—it is obvious. In this matter I have taken very particular care not to interfere in any way with the discretion of the Election Commissioner. All I have done is if anybody has come to me I have sent him on, or sent her on, to the Election Commissioner. I have certainly, when this matter came before me, expressed my sympathy with the fact that a large number of women voters have been left out and I think the whole House will feel that way; the Electtion Commissioner himself wants to put them in subject to the law. How that is to be done is entirely a matter for the Election Commissioner. All sympathy was there but the only assurance I gave was of my sympathy but not of how it is to be done.
Shri Kamath: As regards the electoral rolls, has the Prime Minister received a deputation from only Rajasthan women or from anyone else also ?
Shri Jawaharlal Nehru: So far as I can remember they were only from Rajasthan—there may be one or two sympathisers with them from other States.
Seth Govind Das: So far as law is concerned, it is not unchangeable. Changes always occur in the law. Then, is it not possible to do something to include these women in the lists for there is still time for the elections to take place ? The measure relating to Part C States has come up and the present session of Parliament is also going to continue for some time. Is not then some arrangement possible to remove these difficulties ?
Dr. Ambedkar: I would like to tell my hon. friend that it would require exactly not less than two months if relief is to be given from now. That means the election will have to be postponed.
Shri R. C. Upadhyaya: Cannot the Government amend by proper legislation the mention of Mrs. so-and-so in the electoral rolls?
The Minister of State for Finance (Shri Tyagi): Husband’s name cannot be amended.