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The 'Dhoti Bill' introduced by CM Jayalalithaa for review in Tamil Nadu Assembly

By FnF Desk | PUBLISHED: 06, Aug 2014, 14:10 pm IST | UPDATED: 06, Aug 2014, 14:28 pm IST

The 'Dhoti Bill' introduced by CM Jayalalithaa for review in Tamil Nadu Assembly

Chennai: And it's here. The Dhoti Bill has been introduced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who had promised legislation against "sartorial despotism" after a judge was refused entry at a Chennai club because he was wearing a dhoti.

The Bill proposes a year in jail and a Rs. 25,000 fine for anyone who bars dhoti-clad people from entering clubs or other premises. It is unlikely to see many hurdles on its way to becoming law. Opposition parties like the DMK shared the chief minister's fury at the dhoti incident.

Last month, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) Club in Chennai refused entry to dhoti-clad Madras High Court judge Justice Hariparanthaman.

"After over 60 years of Independence, I can't accept this. They can have rules for their members, not for visitors who come on invitation," the upset Judge said. Political parties of all hue picked up cudgels on his behalf and attacked the club for the "disrespect" shown to what they said was an intrinsic part of Tamil culture.

The club had to promise to review its rules that allow only people dressed in full trousers, shirts or T-shirts with collars and leather shoes to access its premises, though officials did tentatively explain that it helped prevent "wardrobe malfunction under the influence of alcohol."

Powerful cricket administrator N Srinivasan, the president of the club, said he was ready to lift the ban. "We will go by whatever the Chief Minister advises. There have been rules forever. When something like this happens and if the chief minister has a view we would respect it," he said.

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