To have or not to have a dress code

Follow norms, or change college
First of all, we must understand there is no government rule for dress code in any college or office in our country. These are informal sanctions of the management body of educational institutions or offices. Dress code norms are acceptable till the authorities aren’t depriving the students of their freedom. If somebody doesn’t like, or has problems with the rules of the institution then they can avoid such colleges, choose other colleges where they can easily adapt.

I don’t think there should be any dress codes in colleges. But we shouldn’t disrespect the norms of the institution as they would have some reason for such decisions. It’s the matter of choice that counts. For instance, British have dress codes whereas Americans don’t. 
Nandini Sardesai, sociologist

It seems like a ridiculous rule 
The college has not only banned girls from wearing jeans but also denied admissions to them.  In a progressive city like Mumbai and with humid climatic conditions, many travel by crowded trains and buses, therefore, jeans and tops are the best suited and most comfortable dress for girls. Especially during heavy rains, jeans and T are the most convenient and comfortable outfit. To some extent the girls should avoid wearing revealing clothes. This is to maintain some sort of decency. The college should instead give importance to clean environment, provide good facilities and above all maintain faculty and education standards, rather than coming out with such ridiculous rules and regulations, in a city like Mumbai.
Shashank Kumar, SIES college

Jeans & T-shirt most comfortable
Firstly why are we expected to follow a dress code in college? It’s strange that in the name of decency or tradition some colleges are merely making the girls follow norms and banning some outfits? Aren’t we mature individuals who can take our own decisions as what to wear and what not to? At the same time, if girls are not decently dressed according to the college standards, then probably they could be given a warning. And only on repetition of such behaviour should the college take some harsh action. Why should all suffer because of a few? Jeans and T-shirt are the most comfortable outfits for both boys and girls. 
Sailee Pagnis, Hinduja College

Banning denims makes no sense
Its is quite absurd to hear that a college has denied its girl students from wearing tight jeans on the basis that it will spoil the college’s image. What’s wrong in wearing such dresses? We live in a cosmopolitan city where people are modern and have forward-thinking. We understood when some colleges didn’t allow short skirts in colleges on grounds of decency but banning jeans doesn’t make sense. It is just a kind of anarchy. I feel students should boycott such colleges which impose illogical rules. Don’t think there should be any dress code for college-goers, either boys or girls, as they are matured enough to decide what is right for them.
Mansi Jhaveri, St Xavier’s College

We can decide for ourselves 
If colleges want to instil discipline through the outfits then they should have a uniform for students. Eve-teasing happens even with girls who are fully clad. But girls should avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing as it draws undue attention. Earlier some college had asked boys to stop wearing low-waist jeans, and girls from wearing sleeveless outfits. I don’t think youngsters would like to be told what to wear and what not to wear. Either have a uniform or let us decide for ourselves. And if any college plans to have such rules, they should inform the students about it way in advance and not in the middle of the academic year. 
Prem Babar, Bhavans College

Indecent clothes can cause issues
Every individual has his own style of dressing and students get to experiment with their style when they enter college. Therefore, I don’t think it’s correct to restrict someone from wearing an outfit unless and until it leads to a humiliating incident. Having said that, I also think that the college in Bhandup is correct to an extent as sometimes students take liberties and wear clothes which can lead to incidents like eve-teasing. Therefore, to protect its students and image, they might have come up withy this rule. Also, I think dress-code in college can build equality among students and also help in regulating students.
Rayyan Rizvi, LS Raheja College

Why always blame women?
Every student looks forward to joining a college and start living life on his or her own terms. Therefore, I wouldn’t be surprised if students resist against colleges coming up with dress codes. Also, I don’t agree with the college’s explanation of denying admissions to the girl students wearing ‘tight-jeans’ because such outfits will taint its reputation. Why always blame women? Instead, the authorities should take strict action against students who indulge in such unlawful activities. Mindsets of people need to change and people at fault need to be punished. College means freedom and it’s incorrect to limit it.
Gorky Puri, IIPM