42 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
As the House is aware, there is also a measure for a similar purpose standing in the name of Shrimati Durgabai. Her measure differs from the Government measure in two particular respects. She wants to give retrospective effect to the measure; the Government Bill does not propose to do so. The other provision contained in the Bill of Shrimati Durgabai is that the law not only should declare that the power which the Hindu father has over the son’s interest in joint family property should be made clear as being available for distribution among the creditors, but that the power of disposal of the Manager also should be clearly stated. On that point all that I should like to say is this that I have not an empty mind but I have an open mind; and I am prepared to leave this matter to be decided by the Select Committee. Indeed one of the purposes or motives which have led me to move for reference to Select Committee was to enable the Select Committee to discuss these matters.
I do not think there is anything more I need say in elucidation of the provisions of this Bill. Sir, I move.
Mr. Speaker : Motion moved.
- Prof. N. G. Ranga : There is the question of the manager. My Honourable friend wants this power to be extended to the Manager also. Evidently she has in mind some of the big zamindars who get their properties managed by managers.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: They are called ‘Karta’.
Prof. N. G. Ranga: It is bad enough to vest the power in the father but it is worse to vest it in the agent also.
The Honouraable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: No, no. It is wrong.
Prof. N. G. Ranga: That is the answer given by lawyers. I am looking at it from the point of view of the debtors. They have as much right to be protected as the creditors. Creditors
- C.A. (Leg.) D., Vol. II, 25th February 1948, p. 1224.