Unpacking the negative role played by communal forces during the Hindu Code Bill episode of 1940s-50s | Bhavuk

The recent fracas in the Parliament over the remarks made by Home Minister Amit Shah, on Nehru’s reaction to Ambedkar’s resignation over the Hindu code bill has sparked a debate in the public sphere. However, the entire issue remains shrouded in layers which form the basis of any truth. Apart from the fact that Ambedkar believed Nehru to be the most sincere among all Congressmen on the question of Hindu Code Bill, the fact also remains that the RSS opposed it tooth and nail. The home minister has portrayed how Ambedkar was not accorded the respect and honour that he deserved, by Nehru who, in his opinion, was not the least bit remorseful on his resignation. Let us closely investigate this charge and with it also bring out in public domain the negative role played by communal forces during the Hindu Code Bill episode.

History Of The Hindu Code Bill

Talks about a Hindu Code Bill had emerged since the 1920s itself. Congress seriously took up the issue after the historic Karachi session. The first efforts at reform came when Har Bilas Sarda (the author of the Sardar Child Marriage Restraint Act) introduced another legislation to establish the right of Hindu widows to a share of their husband