I fear, Sir, I feel rather, that this sub-rule, the first part of it imposing a time limit for consideration by the Assembly of all amendments, is an undue, unwarranted encroachment upon your powers. I am wholeheartedly in favour of cutting short unnecessary discussion and debate and expediting the passage of the Constitution, as I have already stated. But, is it not part of your inherent powers, Sir, and is the House or any part of the House going to usurp your power in this field? It is your undisputed power to fix any time limit for any debate. Why then make a specific mention in this rule that the President shall allot not more than two days-by the way, ‘may’ would have been more graceful and dignified? Is not the President supreme so far as the conduct of the business of the House is concerned? It is up to him to regulate and conduct the business of the House. Why fetter his judgment by saying that he shall not allot more than two days or three days? Leave it to his discretion. He can certainly allot, if he thinks necessary, more than three or four days. During the First Reading of the Constitution in November 1948, you will remember, Sir, before you fell ill, that you originally intended to allot only two days for the First Reading of the Constitution, for the discussion of the motion by Dr. Ambedkar. Later on, you found that the House was keen on considering it further, and so you were good enough to allot another two days for the consideration of that motion. It may be quite probable that the sense of the House might be to ask for some more time. Here you are, Sir, with all powers vested in you to regulate the business. Why make this rule here and fetter your discretion and judgment and abrogate or at least reduce the powers inherent in the President? That is so far as the third amendment is concerned. I want to leave the matter to the President as to how many days should be allotted for the consideration and disposal of the amendments. We need not curtail the powers of the President so far as this matter is concerned.
