College in Kolkata bans ‘torn jeans’ on campus, students asked to sign affidavit

In a move that has raised several questions on moral policing, the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College in Kolkata has issued an advisory for the undergraduate students willing to take admission, to sign an affidavit that they would not wear “indecent” clothes like torn jeans within the college premises. Moreover, the parents or local guardians of the students have also been asked to submit an undertaking in the concerned matter. The college has issued six-point conditions, which include measures to prevent ragging and restrictions on the dress code.

The affidavit read, “Having been admitted to Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College, I will never enter inside college premises wearing torn/artificially torn jeans or any kind of indecent dresses. I do hereby affirm that I shall wear normal civil dresses during my study period inside the entire college premises.” The admission notice on the website of the college states that only formal dresses are allowed. It reads, “New 1st SEM classes will start on and from 07.08.2023 ***Torn Jeans are strictly prohibited.*** Formal dresses are allowed only.”

Several students have spoken against the move stating it curbed the freedom of expression of the students. Even some of the teachers talked to the media and said that they thought the move was scary and could spark negative reactions from the students.

The Principal’s views

Principal Purna Chandra Maity defended the college’s decision and said, “Last year, we had issued a similar advisory for our students. But despite such notice, some students were seen coming to the college in torn jeans. We don’t want our students to come to the campus in such attires. I will not permit anyone to wear such indecent clothes and come to the college. That’s why to take a strong stance, this year we have decided to issue the advisory for those who will take admission to the college. In addition, they will have to give in writing that they will not wear such outfits before taking admission. They are free to wear such outfits outside the college promises.”

Maity informed that the students would be directed to the payment portal for admission fees only after they and their parents had signed the affidavit. “Torn clothes do not fit the decorum of an educational institute. Students must follow the rules of the college and know how to dress appropriately to a formal institute,” the principal added.

When asked to comment on whether such an advisory will be seen as an infringement of one’s freedom of choice, she said, “They will definitely have that freedom outside the college. Once inside they have to follow the discipline and rules. They have to abide by the parameters set by the college authorities.” The principal also talked about the parents’ reactions and said, “In my college discipline is first. Students don’t come here to do fashion. Parents are very happy with this decision of college, they have said what they could not do, college has done for them.”

However, an alumnus of AJC Bose College, Pritthwish Das, who now teaches at a college said “I do not support the college’s move as torn jeans is not an indecent attire that cannot be worn at an institute.”

Recent case at Jadavpur University

The dress code mandate by Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College comes amid a raging controversy following the recent death of a first-year student at Jadavpur University allegedly due to ragging. The college authorities also included several points to stop ragging in the six-point conditions. “It has been clearly mentioned that if a student is found encouraging ragging or directly involved in ragging, he or she will be immediately rusticated. The issue has become very prominent after the incident in Jadavpur University. We are going to take a strict stand on this,’’ said an official of the college authorities. The death at Jadavpur University triggered a massive uproar in both the students’ circle and the political arena in Bengal. A political slugfest broke out between the ruling TMC and principal opposition BJP blaming each other for ragging at the institution that led to the fresher’s death.

Students’ take on the mandate

A third-year student of the college told a news agency, “The college teaches us about freedom of expression but takes steps that curb personal choice. If education is properly imparted, students are responsible enough to judge what to wear and what not to at an institute.”

“We are not minors. When we have rights to vote and elect a political party to run the country, we should have the liberty to wear dress according to our choice. How can an institution tell us what to wear and what not to,’’ said a student aspiring to be admitted to the college. Another applicant described the decision as unilateral. “If our parents do not have any objection to wear ripped jeans why should the college authorities make it an issue. The particular style of the attire doesn’t appear as obscene. The objection raised by the authorities doesn’t have anything to do with studies,” she said.

The notification has different opinions as another student of the college did not find the rule problematic because several other colleges have the rule of following a dress code.

Meanwhile, another dress code controversy has erupted in Gujarat, where the Rajkot Self-Finance School Association has informed parents about the dress code they need to follow every time they arrive to drop off their children. The District Development Officer of Rajkot has also issued a circular on the dress code to be followed by government officials. 12-year-old Kolkata boy jumps from rood and dies after watching anime, as he was trying to imitate the hero