Understanding the Hindu Code Bill and Resignation

The question asks about a significant event in Indian political history: the resignation from the Nehru Cabinet concerning the Hindu Code Bill in 1951. This event highlights the challenges faced in implementing social reforms in post-independence India.

Who Resigned? Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the context surrounding the Hindu Code Bill and the political climate of 1951:

• The Hindu Code Bills were a series of laws enacted in the 1950s that aimed to codify and reform Hindu personal law.
• These bills dealt with issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance, seeking to grant more rights to women and abolish discriminatory practices.
• Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, as the Law Minister in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's first cabinet, was the principal architect of the initial draft of the Hindu Code Bill.
• The Bill faced significant opposition from conservative sections of society and even within the Congress party.
• Due to the strong opposition and the government's decision to dilute or postpone parts of the Bill, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar became disillusioned.
• In October 1951, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar resigned from the Union Cabinet, citing his disappointment over the stalled progress and the eventual shelving of the comprehensive Hindu Code Bill. He felt that the government was not serious about passing the Bill in its entirety.

Considering this historical context, the person who resigned from the Nehru Cabinet in 1951 specifically because of dissatisfaction with the handling of the Hindu Code Bill was Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

Examining the Options

• B. S. Munje: B. S. Munje was a Hindu Mahasabha leader and was not a member of the Nehru Cabinet in 1951.
• B. R. Ambedkar: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the Law Minister and played a key role in drafting the Hindu Code Bill. He resigned from the cabinet in 1951 due to frustration over the Bill not being passed.
• C. Rajagopalachari: C. Rajagopalachari served in various roles in the government but was not the one who resigned from the cabinet over the Hindu Code Bill in 1951. He became the Chief Minister of Madras in 1952.
• R. K. Shanmukham Chetty: R. K. Shanmukham Chetty was the first Finance Minister of independent India but resigned earlier, in 1949.

Based on historical records, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is the correct answer.

Conclusion

The resignation of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar from the Nehru Cabinet in 1951 was directly linked to his disappointment regarding the Hindu Code Bill. His efforts to bring about significant reforms in Hindu personal law faced considerable hurdles, leading to his decision to step down.

Revision Table: Hindu Code Bill Resignation

Additional Information: The Hindu Code Bill and B. R. Ambedkar

The Hindu Code Bill aimed at revolutionizing Hindu personal law, bringing it in line with principles of equality and justice. It proposed significant changes, including:

• Granting women the right to divorce under certain conditions.
• Allowing women to inherit property equally with men.
• Banning polygamy for Hindu men.
• Granting women the right to adoption.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar viewed these reforms as crucial for the emancipation of Hindu women and for modernizing Indian society. His resignation underscored the difficulties of implementing progressive social legislation in the face of traditionalist opposition. Although the comprehensive Bill was not passed in 1951, parts of it were later enacted as separate acts in 1955-1956, including the Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, and Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act. Ambedkar's resignation brought attention to the issue and highlighted his commitment to social reform.