572 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Clause 13 was added to the Bill.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker: Let us hear the Hon. Minister.
Ch. Ranbir Singh (Punjab) : Sir, so far nobody has spoken in support of the amendment and everybody, who has spoken so far, except Pandit Thakur Das Bhargava, has opposed the amendment. I would request you to give a chance to somebody who is likely to support the amendment.
Shri Syamnandan Sahaya (Bihar) : Are you supporting the amendment?
Ch. Ranbir Singh: Yes ; I stand to support the amendment.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The Hon. Minister would like to intervene. Let us hear the Hon. Minister.
The Minister of Law (Dr. Ambedkar): Yes, I should like to make a few observations.
The object underlying this amendment is, no doubt, very laudable. I do not think that looking at the mere motive and the objective, there could be much objection to the amendment. But, added to the motive, there are certain other provisions contained in this amendment which are intended to give the motive and the object its proper effect. It is from that point of view that I find it difficult to accept the amendment.
The amendment empowers the President to carry out the objects mentioned in this new amendment. No doubt, the Mover of the amendment thinks that the amendment has no political complexion. I should have thought that the introduction of the President in this business is enough to give a political colour to it for the simple reason that although the President, as an individual, as the Head of the State, may be above all parties and party considerations, there is no doubt at all that in giving effect to this particular amendment, the President as usual will have to act upon the advice of the Ministry. No one can have any doubt that the Ministry is a political institution of the day. It is therefore very difficult.........
*P.D., Vol. 12, Part II, 15th May 1951, pp. 8755-57.