New Delhi: Days after imposing a ban on the hijab, NG Acharya and DK Marathe College in Mumbai has issued a new dress code prohibiting students from wearing torn jeans, t-shirts, and “revealing dresses” on its premises.
The administration of the Chembur Trombay Education Society’s NG Acharya and DK Marathe College released a notice instructing students to adhere to a “formal and decent” dress code while on campus.
“Students should wear formal and decent dress while on campus. They can wear half shirt or full shirt and trouser. Girls can wear an Indian and western outfit. Students shall not wear any dress which reveals religion or shows cultural disparity. Jeans, t-shirts, revealing dresses and jerseys are not allowed,” the notice stated.
The notice, dated June 27, 2024, also addressed the wearing of religious garments: “Hijab, burka, naqab, stoles, caps and badges can be removed by going to common rooms on the ground floor and then only they can move throughout college campus.”
Student Reactions and Legal Challenge
Some students claimed they were unaware of the new dress code and were denied entry to the college because they were wearing jeans and t-shirts.
Previously, the college had banned the hijab, naqab, burka, stoles, caps, and badges within the premises, prompting nine female students to challenge the decision in the Bombay High Court. The petitioners argued that the ban was “arbitrary, unreasonable, bad-in-law and perverse.”
However, a division bench of Justices AS Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil ruled against the students, stating they were not inclined to interfere with the college’s decision and dismissed the petition.
Senior counsel Anil Anturkar, representing the college management, argued that the dress code applied to all students, regardless of religion or caste, and was intended to enforce a uniform dress code rather than target the Muslim community.
The college management maintains that the decision to ban religious garments like the hijab, naqab, and burka is purely a disciplinary action aimed at ensuring a uniform dress code and is not discriminatory against any particular community.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Debate
The dress code and its enforcement have sparked a broader debate about religious freedom, cultural expression, and the limits of institutional authority in educational settings. Critics argue that such policies infringe on individual rights and disproportionately affect Muslim students, while proponents claim they promote a sense of uniformity and discipline.
As the controversy continues, the college administration and affected students must navigate the complex intersection of education, religion, and personal freedoms in a diverse society.
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