If the Shiv Sena-controlled Greater Mumbai civic corporation has its way, shopkeepers will not be able to display lingerie on mannequins any more.
On May 16, the corporation’s 227-member general body approved a proposal to ban skimpily clad mannequins, ostensibly to curb crime against women.
The proposal, made by BJP corporator from Ghatkopar Ritu Tawade, is yet to be cleared by municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte.
Ms. Tawade had asked shops in her crowded suburb to stop displaying lingerie on mannequins.
She believes that looking at mannequins clad in two piece lingerie could be provocative, and this leads to increasing rape cases.
She proposed the ban in April itself and has been garnering support for her cause. She is particularly horrified by the two-piece lingerie on mannequins.
Backing her proposal were all women corporators and the men, too.
The proposal was passed unanimously…
Shubha Raul of the Shiv Sena, a former mayor, told The Hindu that she had been vocal against vulgar advertisements and was in favour of law banning mannequins.
Like Ms. Tawade, Dr. Raul felt that salesmen who dressed mannequins every day and stripped them could develop devious thoughts.
Mumbai Mayor Sunil Prabhu of the Shiv Sena has also backed the demand.
