Aversion to dhoti in clubs draws ire in TN

A PIL has been filed seeking Madras High Court to take legal action against organisations including BCCI

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association club denying entry to a Judge of Madras high court for wearing dhoti has evoked protests across various sections.

Politicians cutting across the parties and advocates marked their protest against the ‘dress code regulation’ of the club and said the government should interfere in the issue.

Justice Hariparanthaman and two senior lawyers —R Gandhi and GR Swaminathan— were denied entry for releasing the book ‘Legal Fraternity Embraced Me’ written by Justice T S Arunachalam held in the club hall as they were wearing dhoti.

An advocate has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras high court seeking legal action against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Tamil Nadu Cricket Association Club and some other clubs in connection with the incident.

The action of the respondent clubs and associations in prescribing a dress code is against either in law or on facts and it is without any legal sancity. The Rules framed by these boards or clubs so far as it infringes the fundamental rights of persons guaranteed under Article 13,14,15, and 19(1)(a)(d), said the PIL.

Petitioner, S Karthik, said wearing a dhoti, which is named as veshti in Tamil, is an integral part of our cultural context and daily custom and religion.

“It is an Indian traditional costume, which embodies the very impression of Indianness and is a sign of our national identity and it is worn by people in different styles across India,” the PIL added.

Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin said dhoti-clad Tamils did their part in sending out foreign rulers 67 years ago, but various clubs across Chennai restrict dhoti-clad persons from entering their clubs.

This, according to him, is happening despite government-run Co-optex, which observes ‘Vesti (Dhoti) Day’ every year to promote the traditional Tamil dressing.

DMK Supremo M Karunanidhi said the government should address the dress code restrictions at public functions held in the clubs.

The dress code of these clubs shows that slavery still continued in this country, said B S Gnanadesikan, head of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee.

Various parties in the Assembly, including the Communist Parties, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), Pattali Makkal Katchi, Kongu Ilaignar Peravai, Forward Bloc and All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi also marked their protest against the clubs' aversion to Dhoti.

Responding the comments, K C Veeramani, Minister for Schood Education and Tamil Culture, said that the clubs are registered under Societies Act and they have their own buy-laws. However, the government would look into the issue and consult the Law Department to take action on this, with instructions from Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, he said. On Tuesday, Advocates conducted protest by boycotting work in Madurai, Pudukottai, Kumbakonam, Rajapalayam, Tirukovilur.