From now on, men wearing dhotis can enter any building in Tamil Nadu, including those of clubs, thanks to the Entry into Public Places (Removal of Restriction on Dress) Bill, 2014, introduced by the State government. Although the veshti (dhoti) is a traditional dress of south India, some people not only consider it old-fashioned but also often look down upon those who wear it. This was an unacceptable situation.
M. Rajeev Varman,
Pudukkottai
I hope the legislation will include a provision on footwear too. Some months ago, I was denied service in a posh Chennai club because I wore buckled sandals. Although they covered my toes, they had slits on the sides. Sandals were not ‘shoes’ as per the definition of the club authorities. I hope the bill will come to have a provision to permit the traditional chappal .
G. Ram Mohan,
Chennai
Of what use is our freedom if we cannot wear a dress that is quintessentially Indian? The dhoti is simple to wear and easy to handle. The pseudo-western clubs in India should come out of their slavish mentality and treat all people with dignity and respect. In a free India, citizens should have the freedom to dress the way they like without being victimised or subjected in public to any form of discrimination.
Lakshman Sundar,
Mumbai
The dhoti may be the preferred dress of a vast majority, but there may be people who consider it inappropriate. If those holding such a belief are members of a private club and they lay down a dress code governing their members or guests, outsiders (which includes the state) should view it with tolerance. This would not, of course, apply to cinemas or shopping malls, which are open to the general public.
K.G. Agaram,
Chennai
Clubs that are open to the public cannot have restrictions on attire. But private clubs, where entry is restricted, should not be forced to waive all restrictions. I am a member of two clubs in Chennai. While one does not permit dhotis, the second does. This is a right given to the members of a private club. A judge being refused admission to a club because he wore a dhoti should not be treated as an affront to his dignity. Those who did not brief him properly should be held accountable.
S. Shivaram,
Chennai
