No private establishments like clubs, shopping malls or social establishments in Tamil Nadu could deny entry to people clad in dhoti or traditional Indian attire from Wednesday. Tuesday saw the Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly unanimously passing a Bill introduced last week by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa which would make enforcing dress code and banning entry of people wearing dhoti in public places a cognisable offence.
The Tamil Nadu Entry into Public Places (Removal of Restriction of Dress) Act 2014 empowers the State Government to cancel the licenses of any establishments denying entry to any person wearing dhoti. Starting Wednesday morning people in Tamil Nadu would be able to attend any function in these establishments clad in their dhoti.
Interestingly, members of the DMK, strong proponents of anything associated with Tamil and Dravida traditions, could not be part of the “historical” event in the Assembly because of “red card” shown by the Speaker. They are not be allowed to attend the remaining part of the Budget Session.