Moral policing: Chandigarh discos ban entry for 'seditious', 'scantily clad women'

In a brand new, regressive policy that has been introduced by the Chandigarh government, "scantily dressed women" at nightclubs are being labelled 'indecent' and 'seditious'.

According to the Controlling of Places of Public Amusement, 2016 policy, that came into effect on 1 April, the "exhibition or advertisement of scantily dressed women" is being considered a cause of political discontent and unruly behaviour in bars and discotheques.

For the Chandigarh administration, slapping on regulations on a woman's attire seems to be the only way that bars and discotheques in the city can clamp down on unruly behaviour. The new policy further lays down that all bars have to shut down by midnight, as opposed to the earlier norm of being open till 2AM.

Non-adherence to the rules laid down by the policy could result in cancellation of licenses for bars and discotheques.

In the face of flak received for this outrageous instance of moral policing that is being imposed, Joint Home Secretary Karnail Singh has come out in defence of this regulation stating that the policy has been framed following directions laid down by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. "The policy is aimed at regulating the nightlife and ensuring law and order," he said.