A New India
Chapter 310 - 310: Bill Passed

Next day the bill was pushed to parliament and everyone was waiting.

Members of Parliament, dressed in crisp khadi and white kurtas, filled the benches.

The room was full with the sound of murmured conversations, the occasional burst of laughter, and the shuffle of papers.

Prime Minister Rohan entered the chamber with his usual composed demeanor, accompanied by his key ministers.

As he made his way to his seat, a ripple of silence followed him.

His presence demanded attention, and today, he carried a proposal that was destined to change the nation.

Rohan took his seat, adjusting the papers in front of him.

He scanned the room briefly, noting the familiar faces of his allies, the wary glances of his opposition, and the restless energy in the room.

He waited patiently as the Speaker called the house to order.

The Speaker's voice rang clear, silencing the last of the murmurs.

"The Honorable Prime Minister will now present the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955."

Rohan stood, his movements deliberate.

"Honorable Speaker, esteemed members of this House," Rohan began, his voice steady, cutting through the ambient noise. "I stand before you today to present a Bill that seeks not just to fulfill a constitutional mandate but to address a moral and social imperative the abolition of untouchability."

A hush fell over the chamber.

Even the members who had been whispering moments ago were now paying attention.

"For centuries," Rohan continued, "the practice of untouchability has been a blight on our society a practice that denies dignity and humanity to millions of our fellow citizens. Despite the promises of independence and the guarantees of our Constitution, this evil persists, particularly in our villages and rural areas. It continues to exclude, to marginalize, and to dehumanize."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

His gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of members on both sides of the aisle.

"This Bill, the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955, is not just another piece of legislation. It is a declaration a declaration that the India we are building will not tolerate discrimination based on caste or birth. It is a promise to our marginalized communities that their dignity and rights will be upheld."

Rohan lifted a copy of the Bill from the desk in front of him. "This Act seeks to criminalize the practice of untouchability, making it a cognizable offense. It imposes penalties on those who deny access to public spaces, schools, temples, and other resources based on caste. It addresses social boycotts and ostracism, ensuring that such practices are met with the full force of the law."

At this, murmurs broke out among some members of the opposition.

A senior MP from an opposition party stood, his voice loud and challenging. "Prime Minister, while we agree with the principles of this Bill, do you believe that legislation alone can eradicate untouchability? Isn't this too naive?"

Rohan turned to face him, his expression calm but resolute. "The Honorable Member raises a valid point. No law can change society overnight. But laws set the framework for change. They signal what is acceptable and what is not. This Act is a foundation a starting point. It is a message to every Indian that untouchability has no place in our democracy."

The MP nodded thoughtfully and sat down.

The murmurs subsided.

Rohan continued, his voice growing more impassioned. "We are not naive. We know that implementing this law will come with challenges. Resistance from deeply entrenched traditions, lack of awareness in rural areas, and weak enforcement are all realities we must confront. But that does not mean we shy away from the task. Instead, we strengthen our resolve."

He gestured toward his Minister of Law and Justice, Harish Mukherjee, seated nearby. "This government is committed to ensuring that this law is not just words on paper. We will conduct nationwide awareness campaigns, partner with local leaders, and train law enforcement to handle these cases with sensitivity and urgency."

Another MP, this time from Rohan's own party, stood to speak. "Prime Minister, I commend your leadership on this issue. But what of the victims? How will we ensure that they feel safe enough to come forward?"

Rohan nodded, appreciating the question. "This Bill includes provisions to protect victims. It shifts the burden of proof to the accused in cases of untouchability, ensuring that those who suffer do not bear the additional burden of proving their innocence. It is a controversial measure, but a necessary one to ensure justice."

The response drew a murmur of approval from several members.

Rohan's tone softened slightly as he addressed the House. "Honorable Members, let us not forget the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, 'We must stand guard over the development and maintenance of social democracy. Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at its base social democracy.' This Bill is a step toward that social democracy. It is a step toward realizing the vision of our Constitution."

He placed the Bill back on the desk and looked directly at the Speaker. "This House has the power to change the course of history. By passing this Bill, we can take a decisive step toward an India where every citizen is treated with dignity and respect. I urge you all to support this legislation not for me, not for this government, but for the soul of our nation."

The chamber erupted into applause, a rare moment of unity in the often-divided Lok Sabha.

Members from across the political spectrum stood to acknowledge the significance of the moment.

The Speaker called for order but allowed the applause to continue for a few moments longer.

When the House settled, the Speaker addressed Rohan. "The Bill will now be opened for debate before moving to a vote."

The debate that followed was spirited but largely supportive.

While some opposition members raised concerns about the feasibility of enforcement, the majority recognized the necessity of the law.

Rohan listened attentively, occasionally rising to address specific points.

His demeanor remained steady, his arguments measured and persuasive.

As the debate concluded, the Speaker called for a vote. "Members of the House, those in favor of the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955, say 'Aye.'"

A resounding chorus of "Aye" filled the chamber.

"Those against, say 'No.'"

The silence was almost deafening.

The Speaker smiled faintly. "The Ayes have it. The Bill is passed."

Rohan exhaled quietly, his relief evident but understated.

He rose from his seat, acknowledging the applause with a slight nod.

As he stepped out of the chamber, his mind was already turning to the next challenge ensuring that the promise of this legislation became a reality.

Outside, reporters clamored for his attention, their cameras clicking furiously.

Rohan paused briefly, offering a simple statement: "Today, we have taken a step toward justice. But the journey is far from over. This is just the beginning."

He turned and walked toward his car, the cheers of the gathered crowd echoing behind him.

The Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955, was now law.