In its resolve to put an end to the “colonial mindset” of elite clubs and others in banning entry of people wearing traditional attire such as dhoti, the Tamil Nadu Government on Wednesday introduced a Bill in the State Assembly that seeks to make such practices a cognisable offence.
The Assembly introduced the Tamil Nadu Entry into Public Places (Removal of restriction of dress) Act, 2014, seeking to remove the ban on wearing dhoti and other traditional Indian attire imposed by recreational clubs and others.
Introduced by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, in the backdrop of recent controversy triggered by denial of entry to a dhoti-clad Madras High Court judge into the TNCA Club here, the Bill provides for cancellation of licence and punishment of one year imprisonment for any violation of the legislation.
The Bill was introduced after the House gave its nod by a voice vote.
The Bill states that no recreation club, association, trust, company or society shall make any rule, regulation or bye-law imposing restriction on entry to any person wearing a veshti (dhoti) or any other Indian traditional dress into any public place under its control or management.
Additional penalty
Any violation of the Act would lead to cancellation of licence and punishment of one year imprisonment and an additional penalty of ₹25,000.
“In order to preserve our culture, custom and heritage, the Government has decided to remove the restriction imposed on persons wearing vesthi, reflecting Tamil culture, or any Indian traditional dress for entry into public places,” the provision of the legislation read. According to the statement of reasons and objects of the Bill, it was brought to the notice of the Government that some clubs were denying entry to persons wearing into public places under their control on the ground that they were not wearing dress in keeping with Western culture.
It was imperative in that context to introduce and pass the Bill in the current session, it said.
Jayalalithaa had earlier assured the House that an Act to remove the dhoti ban would be brought in the current session itself.