296 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
upon the mechanism of the ship, and therefore what is necessary in the matter of giving a certificate by the surveyor is that he should see whether there is any mechanical defect. That is my submission.
Shri Venkataraman: May I ask the Law Minister……
Dr. Ambedkar: This is no question of law. I am only speaking as one of the Members of the House.
Shri Hussain Imam: Sometimes structural defects may endanger the safety of passengers. For instance, the railings on the deck may be so low that passengers may fall into the water. Again, if the blades are not properly screened passengers may fall on them and get crushed. Similarly, if the engine room is not properly protected you may have accidents. The word “structural” does not imply any defect in size and shape but should be included for the same purpose on which the Law Minister insists, namely, that it is the safety of passengers that we look to. We must trust our authority to so interpret the statute as not to make it inoperative. I consider “structural” is very essential.
Shri Sidhva: My friend Mr. Santhanam said that though my wording did cover the intention still there is vagueness in it, and my Hon. friend Dr. Ambedkar has stated that what we aim at is the safety of passengers. I am also for safety, but he has mixed up shape with safety. My hon. friend. Mr. Hussain Imam has come out with the correct instances. I can tell Mr. Santhanam that some of these shipowners deliberately put the railings very low and as a result many accidents have occurred.
An hon. Member: Why put it “deliberately” low?
Shri Sidhva: Because it cuts down the costs. The deck Passengers Committee has made structures on this practice. There are many other structural points, for instance, use of bad wood in construction. Those who have experience in this field have spoken in favour of my suggestion. Unfortunately, my friend Dr. Ambedkar……..
Dr. Ambedkar: I have travelled very much……