Journo not allowed in court for wearing sleeveless

Undefined dimensions of what is inappropriate dressing led to policemen refusing entry to several visitors at the sesquicentennial anniversary at the Bombay high court on Monday. The policemen followed a notification passed by the court in 2011, which stated that people dressed indecently shouldn’t be allowed inside.


Media professional Priya Pathiyan too had to bear the brunt of the implementation of the rule. The reason, she was wearing a sleeveless top.


After getting good reviews of a photo exhibition of old snaps of Mumbai city, Pathiyan decided to check out the same. Hence, she landed at the high court, where the exhibition is being conducted. However, it came as a shock to Pathiyan when a policewoman refused to let her inside.

"When I asked why was I not allowed inside, she mentioned that it was because of the sleeveless top I was wearing. The policewoman went on to say that she had already turned away several such visitors and hence wouldn't allow me inside," said Pathiyan, while talking to HT.

The reason that the security personnel dolled out, stumped Pathiyan and hence she didn't attempt to convince her.

"After seeing her adamancy and confidence, I was left with no option but to retreat. I also didnt want to create a scene at the venue and hence opted to leave," she said.

Pathiyan added that they are free to have their set of rules and implement them, however, they should put a specific notice at the venue.

"If they would have mentioned that sleeveless outfits are not allowed, I wouldn't have minded it, but it wasn't the case. As a law abiding citizen, I would follow the rules, however, as a progressive thinking person, I would oppose it," added Pathiyan.

First Published: Sep 04, 2012 19:55 IST