Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Wednesday introduced a bill in the State Assembly, seeking to remove restrictions imposed by recreation clubs, hotels, theatres, malls, halls, auditoriums and stadiums on men wearing dhoti.
“It was brought to the notice of the government that some clubs are denying entry to persons wearing dhoti or any Indian traditional dress into public areas under their control of management on the ground that they are not wearing dress or apparels in keeping with the western culture. It has become imperative in the context of happening in the past to remove such restriction,” according to the bill introduced by the Chief Minister.
The bill paves way for cancellation of licence of permission granted to recreation club, association, trust, company or society which violates the provisions of the law.
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“Whoever violates the provisions of section 3 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to Rs. 25,000,” the bill said.
The State’s move comes in the wake the recent denial of entry to some dhoti-clad men, including a High Court judge, into the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association Club, venue of a book release function in Chennai.