The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Homoeo college internee challenges ‘non prescribed dress code’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Homoeo college internee challenges ‘non prescribed dress code’

Special Correspondent

Staff members had instructed her to come dressed in sari

CHENNAI: An internee in a homoeopathy college has challenged the institution’s “non prescribed dress code,” and sought a direction that she be permitted to complete the internship by wearing “salwar kameez, churidar and dupatta.”

In her writ petition, V. Kamalam stated that she did BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery) in Venkateswara Homoeopathic Medical College at Porur. On November 4 last year, when she attended the first day of duty on internship in the college, the staff members instructed her to come dressed in sari.

She and a few other students, who were not used to wearing sari, represented before the the college authorities. The representations were not considered. Three days later, the Correspondent advised her to wear sari. On the Correspondent’s instructions, she submitted her explanation in writing.

Denied attendance

From November 10, she was denied attendance and issued a warning. The college warned that she would be allowed for the internship only if she was ready to follow its rules and regulations. She submitted that the college not permitting her to complete internship by insisting on a non-existing dress code was illegal.

In their counter, the Correspondent and the Principal submitted that the dress code evolved by the college was there since the institution was established. It was to instil discipline, dignity and decorum among internees. There was no discrimination.

As the petitioner did not follow the code, the college authorities counselled her. Instead of heeding the advice, she issued legal notice. A reply was given in which it was stated that prior to commencement of internship, all internees were informed of the dress code. The petitioner filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women and the college responded to it. The counter stated that the college was within its right to evolve and insist on the dress code. No exception could be made for the petitioner. Justice K.Venkataraman reserved orders on the petition.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu