Students unhappy over dressing guidelines issued by college

Students of a private college here are unhappy over a circular which they say bans "short and sleeveless dresses" and "hugging and holding of hands" on campus and warns of dismissal in the event of non-compliance with the directive.
Vivekenanda Institute of Professional Studies, a college affiliated to IP university, has posted the instructions on its notice board, students said while slamming the move.
However, a senior college official has said that she was not aware of the issuance of any such circular.
"Short pants and short dresses are barred in the campus except for special functions. Wearing of sleeveless dresses is barred in the campus," says the purported notice, a copy of which has been posted on social media.

"Public showing of affection, hugging or holding female/ male students or any kind of unhealthy behaviour or exhibition of affection, etc. Is strictly prohibited in the campus. At the first instance, warning will be issued... Repeated instance will result in suspension and persistent such behaviour will result in dismissal of students," reads the said notice.
BJP leader SC Vats is the Chairman of the college situated in Pitampura. He was in the news last month when a teacher of the same college registered an FIR against him for allegedly sexually assaulting her.

Students have expressed strong criticism of the move and questioned the drawing up of such guidelines.

"In an institution which is creating future lawyers and journalists, it doesn't sound an appropriate thing to be issuing guidelines defining standards of 'decency'. Usage of statements like 'showing public affection is unhealthy behaviour' is equally unhealthy," said a student on condition of anonymity.
Another student said, "If any student is indulging in any inappropriate behaviour, the college authorities have the right to warn him or penalise him/her. But is really wearing a sleeveless dress an 'inappropriate behaviour' and can even lead to dismissal? What century are we living in?"
However, Dr Charu Lata, Director of the college's Mass Communication Department, said she had not seen any such notice.

"I have not seen any such notice and I am not aware if any such instructions have been issued. I will enquire about it," she said. Vats was not immediately available for comment.
The college offers courses in Law, Journalism and Information Technology to over 3,000 students.