Shiv Sena MLA demands action against college for banning jeans

MUMBAI: The jeans and t-shirt ban on campus in the N G Acharya and D K Marathe college in Chembur came under fire from Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik in the state assembly on Wednesday. He demanded that the state government take action against the “Talibani fatwa” of the college. “Around 70-80% of the youth wear jeans and T-shirts. Will you ban a swimming suit for a swimming competition and t-shirts and shorts for sports competitions?” Sarnaik asked. Last year, the same college had banned the hijab and burkha on its premises. “This ban goes against the rights of students in a democracy. If it spreads to other colleges, there will be a law and order issue,” he said. According to the notice by the college titled “dress code and other rules” dated June 27, torn-jeans, T-shirts, revealing dresses and jerseys are not allowed on its premises. The notice states, “Students should wear formal and decent dress while on campus. They can wear a half-shirt or full-shirt and trousers. Girls can wear any Indian or western outfit. Students shall not wear any dress which shows religion or cultural disparity. Nakab, hijab, burkha, stole, cap, badge etc shall be removed by going to common rooms on the ground floor and then only they can move throughout the college campus.” Last month, the students of the same college moved the Bombay High Court, challenging the directive issued by the college imposing a dress code under which they cannot wear hijab, naqab, burka, stoles, caps and badges inside the premises. However, the high court on June 26 said a dress code is meant to maintain discipline which is part of the college's fundamental right to "establish and administer an educational institution".