Mini Skirts And Tight Pants: Did The Government Of India Keep Their Promise?

In 1972, the government of India relinquished its desire to comment on the mini skirts and tight pants of the generational youth. But did authorities stick to their words? 

When the government was questioned on promoting Indian culture over western clothing in educational institutions, the government responded that the onus of establishing a dress code remained with the educational institutions. 

The then Deputy Education Minister realising the fast pace changes in the purview of clothing and beyond stated, "The foundation of Indian culture is strong enough to withstand the minor changes in fashion." 

The Hijab row in Karnataka had politically influential people commenting on the matter. 

Congress Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said in her tweet, “Whether it is a bikini, a ghoonghat, a pair of jeans or a hijab, it is a woman’s right to decide what she wants to wear, this right is GUARANTEED by the Indian constitution. Stop harassing women.” 

MP and MLA Renukacharya responding to Priyanka's comment said "Priyanka Gandhi made a low-level statement, to use a word like ‘bikini’. While studying in college, children should be fully clothed. Rapes today are increasing because of women’s clothes, as men get provoked. It's not right. Women have respect in our country." He added, "Students or women should wear bindi, bangles, earrings and nose rings; this is our culture. Priyanka is not having knowledge about Indian culture. She is teaching us Italy's culture." Can we stop the victim blaming?

Article 21 a fundamental right established by The Government of India Act of 1935 guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty. The Indian Constitution does not have an article that specifically protects one's choice of clothing. However, the protection of personal liberty vested in Article 21 of the constitution has a wide amplitude and covers a variety of rights. A person can move the court for justice if they feel that their personal liberty is being encroached upon with regard to clothing. Karak Singh v. State of U.P and Ors. (1964) case is an example of an individual moving court to seek justice for encroachment of personal liberty. 

Article 21 of the Indian constitution protects one's autonomy over personal decisions. 

Suggested Reading: 5 Outrageous Comments On Women Made By Men On Public Forums

Government of India Remarks On Clothing

Abu Azmi a member of the Samajwadi Party commenting on Bengaluru's Night of Shame (2017) shared with ANI the following: 

"In this modern era, the more naked a woman is, the more fashionable people say she is. If my sister or daughter goes out to celebrate New Year's Eve and her brother or husband isn't with her, then that's not fine." He added, "If there's petrol and a fire comes along, then the fire will light," he told the news station. "If sugar has fallen, then ants will surely come. People will get angry with me for this, but it's fine because it is true." 

Asha Mirje a member of the National Congress Party commenting on rape said, ”Rapes take place also because of a woman's clothes, her behaviour, and her presence at inappropriate places. Women must be careful, and think if they are inviting assault." 

Mirje, who was also a member of the state women's commission at the time added, “Did Nirbhaya really have to go to watch a movie at 11 in the night with her friend?” 

The times have progressed but India seems to make very little progress regarding respecting a person's choice of clothing. Despite the government of India claiming to not interfere with one's dress, there are ample instances like the aforementioned where politicians are seen making sexist remarks.

Views expressed by author are their own.