OBJECTION IN INDIA TO HINDU CODE BILL REFORMING MARRIAGE

Wanganui Chronicle, 14 December 1949, Page 5

OBJECTION IN INDIA TO HINDU CODE BILL REFORMING MARRIAGE

LONDON, Dec. 13 (Recd. 6 ixm).— The police baton-charged outside the Indian Parliament last night to disperse a violent crowd of 500 demonstrating against the Hindu Code Bill, says the “Daily Telegraph’s” New Delhi correspondent.

Several people were injured and 6b, including five women, were arrested. The objects of the Bill are reform of marriage, divorce, adoption and succession practices in Hindu society and generally to give women more rights, including the right of inheritance. Reactionary Hindus of all classes and castes feel the Bill strikes at the root of Hindu society, breaking up the joint, family system and destroying c. way of life with the sanction of at least 2000 years behind it. The Congress Party itself is divided on the issue and even some Cabineters are believed to favour indefinite postponement of the Bi’l.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Nehru, has made it clear that he regards the Bill as a key to India's future. He believes that if it is passed India will have definitely set her foot on the way to becoming a progressive and “secular” State. The strength of the opposition to his view has yet to be disclosed.