Karnataka cracks down on dress code discrimination: Farmers’ traditional attire to be welcomed in malls!

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on July 22, 2024, that the state government will soon issue comprehensive guidelines to regulate dress codes in malls and public places. This move follows an incident in which a farmer dressed in traditional dhoti was denied entry to a mall.

The Karnataka government’s forthcoming guidelines will mandate that malls and other public venues must accommodate traditional attire such as dhotis and panche. This decision follows public outrage over an incident where a dhoti-clad farmer was refused entry to GT World Mall. The deputy chief minister stated that the guidelines will prevent such occurrences in the future and ensure that individuals are not discriminated against based on their clothing.

The issue was highlighted during a Legislative Assembly session, where Shivakumar condemned the incident. He noted that the mall involved had faced a temporary closure for seven days due to both the denial of entry and outstanding property taxes. The mall has since issued an apology and settled the overdue taxes, according to Shivakumar.

D.K. Shivakumar addressed the issue directly in the assembly, explaining that the state government had taken immediate action against GT World Mall. The closure served a dual purpose: addressing the mall’s discriminatory practices and enforcing tax compliance. The mall’s apology and tax settlement were part of the resolution process.

In his statement, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of respecting traditional attire. He assured the public that the new guidelines would be designed to uphold the dignity and self-respect of individuals, regardless of their choice of clothing.

The incident also drew comments from political figures, including JDS Legislative Party leader Suresh Babu. Babu expressed concerns about entry restrictions in clubs and other establishments that ban traditional attire or casual footwear like sandals. He urged the deputy chief minister to address these practices as well, highlighting a broader issue of dress code discrimination in public spaces.

The introduction of these guidelines reflects a growing sensitivity towards cultural diversity and personal dignity. Addressing discriminatory practices in public spaces not only promotes inclusivity but also reinforces respect for traditional values. The new regulations are likely to serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues of dress code discrimination.