Madras HC declares salwar kameez decent wear

Chennai July 01(ANI): The Madras high court has declared that salwar kameez is decent wear.

Responding to a petition filed by V Kamalaman internee of the Venkateshwara Homeopathic Medical College, Chennai, Justice K Venkatraman said, the college could not insist on a particular dress code.

Kamalam was prevented from attending classes for not wearing a saree during the internship. Kamalam informed the college management that she found it difficult to wear a saree. When the college refused to relent she filed a case against the college management with the National Commission for Women and the Madras High Court.

"No rule or regulation has been cited before the court to show that girl internees should wear only saree during internship. Even the prospectus of the institution does not mention any such dress code, and in the absence of such rules and regulations, the college cannot insist its students to wear a particular dress," Justice Venkatraman said in his order.

According to the Venkateshwarsa Homeopathic Medical College, all female internees are required to wear sarees and male internees formal pants and shirt during the one-year compulsory resident internship.

The college management claims the saree only dress code was introduced "to instil and maintain discipline, dignity, and decorum among the internees."(ANI)