§ 7. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the introduction of the Patel Hindu Inter caste Marriage Bill in the Indian Legislative Council and its circulation by the Government of India through local Governments for opinion has caused great alarm amongst orthodox Hindus of all classes of society in India, as am interference with their most sacred religious and social usages which it has been the policy of the British Government hitherto never to interfere with; and will he ascertain from the Government of India whether it would be desirable to take action to reassure orthodox Hindu opinion that no interference with religious usage is contemplated by the British Governments?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThere would seem to be some misapprehension in the matter. The Government of India is not responsible for the Bill, which was introduced by an elected member of the Legislative Council. The Government are in no way committed to support it, but as it received a certain amount of support from the unofficial members they have taken steps to obtain the full opinion of the Hindu community before the Bill is further proceeded with.
§ Colonel YATEWill the Government of India leave it to the unofficial members of the Indian Legislative to carry through this Bill and not push it on the part of the Government?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Government of India will have to make up its mind about this Bill if it ever comes to the point at which a Bill comes up for sanction or veto, and for that purpose it is necessary that the Government of India should be fully informed, but it will be treated as private Member's Bill and unofficial.