PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 925
(52)
UNTOUCHABILITY OFFENCES BILL 1954
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Bombay) : Mr. Deputy Chairman, I propose to speak on the Bill. I think it is impossible for me to remain silent during the discussion on this Bill, but I find that my hon. friend, the Minister-in-charge, has condescended to put me on the Select Committee on this Bill. There is a convention that a member who is on a Select Committee shall not speak or take part in the Debate on the motion for reference to a Select Committee. I do not know to what extent the rule has been observed in all its strictness.
Mr. Deputy Chairman : It has not been violated.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I think in the other house it is not strictly observed and I understand that a member in such a position could speak. However, if the convention is a rigid one here I beg permission to withdraw my name, and I hope the Hon. Minister will concede.
Prof. G. Ranga (Andhra) : It is not a rigid one.
Mr. Deputy Chairman : Yes, it is a rigid one; we have been opbserving it.
Prof. G. Ranga: If either within the time
Mr. Deputy Chairman : It will be setting a bad precedent.
Prof. G. Ranga : There is no question of any bad precedent. What I understood always was that when other Members who are not Members of the Select Committee are anxious to speak, then the Members who are placed on the Select Committee are expected to give way, but it does not debar any Member of the Select Committee from exercising his privilege of speaking. Only if……….
- P. D., (R. S.) Vol. 7-B, 16th September 1954, pp. 2417-18.