Karnataka to issue dress code guidelines for public places, says Deputy CM Shivakumar

Shivakumar noted that the new guidelines aim to uphold the dignity and self-respect of individuals, ensuring that traditional attire is respected across the state.

Karnataka government will issue comprehensive guidelines for dress codes in malls and public places, announced Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday following an incident where a dhoti-clad farmer was denied entry to a mall.

"We will bring out guidelines to include traditional dresses like panche, dhoti, and others so that malls and other places can't impose entry restrictions based on certain dresses. We will ensure such incidents don't repeat in the State," Shivakumar told the Legislative Assembly.

"There was a discussion on this issue on Friday but I could not participate. I am giving a statement on this now," further stated the deputy CM.

He condemned the recent incident and revealed that the government had ordered the temporary closure of GT World Mall for seven days due to the denial of entry to the farmer and non-payment of taxes. The mall has since issued an apology and settled its outstanding property tax.

"The mall was issued notice regarding denial of entry to the farmer and was locked down due to non-payment of taxes. The mall has issued an apology and has also paid up the outstanding property tax," he noted.

JDS Legislative Party leader Suresh Babu also raised concerns about clubs that restrict entry to people wearing sandals and dhoti, urging the DCM to address these practices as well.

Shivakumar emphasised that the new guidelines aim to uphold the dignity and self-respect of individuals, ensuring that traditional attire is respected across the state.