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THE BILL WAS AIMED AT THE SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN
On December 26, 1950, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar while addressing a rally of 50,000 people under the auspices of the Belgaum District branch of the Scheduled Castes Federation stated,
The lack of moral courage and strength of character of the women in India had come in the way of the Bill (Hindu Code) that had been drafted by him. None of the prominent women leaders were really interested in the social progress of our women, Dr. Ambedkar declared.
Dr. Ambedkar said, “I drafted the Bill in confirmity with the dictates of the Smritis which allow several rights to women. The Bill was only aimed at removing the obstruction of Law in the social advancement of women. On wealth depends independence and a woman must be very particular to retain her wealth and rights, to help retain her freedom.
Dr. Ambedkar compared the Hindu Code Bill to milk which has been spoiled by mixture with a bitter acid. Referring to agitations by some orthodox people and even women for whose benefit the Bill had been introduced, he remarked, “I challenge everyone to show me whether any of the Sections in the Bill are not based on the dictates of the Smritis”
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The Times of India, December 26, 1950, “Opposition to Hindu Code”, “Dr. Ambedkar’s Criticism.”
Reprinted Bharill, Pp. 101—102.