End this Colonial Hangover: The Need for an Anti-Discriminatory Dress Code Legislation

This editorial urges India to enact a national law protecting traditional attire, combating colonial-era discrimination, and promoting cultural respec

 

End this Colonial Hangover:  The Need for an Anti-Discriminatory Dress Code Legislation

By Prime Point Srinivasan, Managing Editor

(This editorial urges India to enact a national law protecting traditional attire, combating colonial-era discrimination, and promoting cultural respect and awareness in public and private spaces.)

In mid-July this year, a farmer dressed in a traditional dhoti and turban was denied entry to a leading cinema hall in a large mall in Bengaluru. This incident sparked protests from various political parties, leading to a heated debate in the State Assembly. The State Government responded by closing the mall for a week. It is also reported that the Government is planning to introduce legislation to prevent such disrespect towards traditional attire, reflecting colonial regulations.

It may be recalled that before India's independence, clubs across the country displayed signs reading "Dogs and Indians not allowed," prohibiting the entry of Indians. Ironically, in 2022, Rishi Sunak, a person of Indian origin, entered 10 Downing Street as Prime Minister with his dogs.

Past incidents

A few years ago, Justice Hariparanthaman, then a sitting judge of the Madras High Court, was denied entry to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Club because he was wearing a traditional dhoti and shirt. This incident garnered significant media attention. In response, the State Government swiftly enacted legislation to penalise office bearers and private establishments that denied entry to individuals wearing traditional attire.

There have been numerous incidents in recent years, both reported and unreported, where even celebrities, including M F Hussain, Justice Krishna Iyer have been denied entry for wearing traditional Indian dress such as dhoti, kurta, or turban.

As we celebrate 75 years of India's independence, it is disheartening to see remnants of colonial discrimination persisting in our society. While the British Raj had ended decades ago, the echoes of these practices still continue, as evidenced by recent instances of discrimination against those wearing traditional Indian attire. It is imperative for us, as a nation, to address and eradicate these outdated prejudices and ensure respect for our cultural heritage. This editorial aims to highlight notable incidents of such discrimination and propose legislative measures to prevent the dishonouring of our national and traditional dress. There are also several instances where senior journalists wearing dhoti were not allowed entry to five-star hotels for attending press conferences or for interviewing VIPs.

Only Tamil Nadu has enacted legislation preventing such disrespect towards ethnic attire (Indian dress). Karnataka may soon follow suit. However, instead of individual States addressing this issue, a broader and more comprehensive national legislation is needed. The Indian Government should consider enacting a "National Anti-Discrimination Dress Code Act." This nationwide Act should prohibit any form of discrimination based on attire in public and private establishments. The act should explicitly state that traditional Indian attire, including Kurtas, dhotis, turbans, sarees, and other regional dresses, must be respected and cannot be the grounds for denying entry or service.

Awareness needed

The Government, along with Non-Governmental Organisations and cultural bodies, should launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of respecting traditional attire. These campaigns should highlight the cultural significance of various traditional garments and encourage acceptance and appreciation. The Indian media should actively participate in these efforts.

Government and private institutions should include traditional attire in their official dress codes and protocols. This inclusion will set a positive example and reinforce the acceptance of cultural attire in formal settings. Events such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and other national celebrations should prominently feature traditional dress.

The hospitality and service industry should provide training to their staff on cultural sensitivity and the importance of respecting traditional attire. This training will help prevent incidents of discrimination and promote a more inclusive environment.

The proposed legislation should include stringent penalties for establishments that violate the anti-discrimination dress code act. These penalties could range from hefty fines to the suspension of business licenses for repeat offenders. Such measures will ensure compliance and deter discriminatory practices.

Conclusion: The persistence of colonial-era discrimination in our society is a blemish on our nation's progress. PreSense appeals to everyone to ensure that every Indian, regardless of their attire, is treated with respect and dignity. By enacting comprehensive legislation and promoting cultural awareness, we can eradicate these outdated prejudices and honour the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. 

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