Revealing the freedom behind the veil – DU Beat

In the crowded lanes near NG Acharya and DK Marathe College in Mumbai, memories of 2023 were evoked. Students protested after the college issued a notification banning women from wearing burqa/niqab/hijab and “provocative” clothes to maintain their uniformity and give them “a taste of professional life”. Can we ever be free if institutional regulation of women's clothing continues?

NG Acharya and DK Marathe College in Mumbai has banned its students from wearing hijab or revealing clothes in a circular dated June 27, 2024. The measure proposed by the college administration included banning students from wearing burqas, niqabs, hijabs, badges, caps and stoles that could reveal their religious identity. The decision was justified by the authorities on the grounds that it is to eliminate all forms of discrimination and ensure uniformity and discipline among students. The move was taken to instill professionalism among students and they were also banned from wearing “revealing and indecent clothes”. Nine students were particularly dismayed and challenged the decision and filed a petition, which prompted the Supreme Court to stay the order.

Dress codes in educational institutions have always been a source of conflict. Imposing restrictions and setting a code of conduct regarding what to wear challenges the fundamental right of students to dress freely. A dialogue with the students of Kamala Nehru College highlighted the importance of this freedom.

It is liberating for students, especially women, as they can wear what they feel comfortable in and create an environment that encourages broad thinking about the worldview,

mentioned a student.

Another student considered it a privilege to be part of DU and said:

I have the freedom to choose clothes according to my body shape and size without being conscious about it. School uniforms were usually uncomfortable.

Speaking to DU Beat, Adv. Nivedita Pandit suggested:

Banning hijab is not a solution. At the college level, it should be a choice and not a compulsion. To solve the problem of non-college students entering the college, proper security checks and student ID cards must be introduced. Moreover, in today's high-tech era, a fingerprint scanner should be installed. However, if someone is found without an ID card on the college premises, strict action must be taken against them.

Authorities and administrations assume that women can ensure their safety and protection when they are alone or travelling by requiring them to wear revealing clothing. While these restrictions give women power, in reality they represent a hindrance to their lives. In the past, women's behaviour was dictated by men, who were considered the breadwinners of their families. They made decisions for women, thereby limiting their freedom to make decisions about their own lives. This is still the reality for many women today, and these institutional authorities are equally guilty of perpetuating it.

DU professors expressed their opinion on the college's moves. Speaking to DU Beat, a journalism professor from Kamala Nehru College strongly disagreed with the decision and mentioned:

These are contradictory statements from the college, where students are prohibited from wearing revealing clothing while covering their heads. Your definition of “modest clothing” is incorrect.

Another professor commented:

Students must enjoy the freedom they get in college after high school and all the possible restrictions they face in school life. Students must be taught self-discipline rather than having rules dictated to them.

Minisha Afroz, a student of Kamala Nehru College, expressed her disappointment by saying:

I am proud to be part of this non-judgmental institution where we practice inclusivity and I can wear a hijab without hesitation. We are proud of each other's culture and have no norms that hold us back. The top priority of a college should be to provide education to students regardless of their dress and religious identity.

In 2023, a similar incident occurred in several medical colleges in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, notably Gandhi Medical College, Andhra Medical College and Osmania Medical College. Students had to follow a strict dress code, which included banning tights and sleeveless dresses for women. Male students had to wear formal attire and black leather shoes.

In medical institutions, students must adhere to the norms to maintain the professionalism required in their field. However, arbitrary dress codes challenge women's power to decide how to dress. The authorities have always been a legislative body for female students. If not the authorities, the school/college administration takes on this role.

It's hard to believe that it's been decades since there was not a single place where women were confident in their clothing and not self-conscious about their skirts or backless tops. Every year the country celebrates its independence, but women have not yet found their freedom.

Read also: Sexism in B.Sc. courses at Kirori Mal College

Photo credits for selected images: Hindustan Newspaper

Taruni Banerjee

[email protected]