Karnataka Dhoti Row: Govt to Release Guidelines for Malls After Dhoti-Clad Farmer Denied Entry

Bengaluru: Days after a farmer was denied entry to a Bengaluru mall for wearing dhoti, the Karnataka government has announced its decision to issue guidelines to malls and other establishments prohibiting discrimination based on attire. The decision announced by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar comes after government's July 18 decision to close the G T World mall in Bengaluru for seven days after a farmer was denied entry, sparking widespread condemnation in the Legislative Assembly.

Earlier last week on July 16, an elderly farmer named Fakeerappa from Haveri district was stopped by security staff at a mall while visiting with his wife and son to watch a movie. Due to his traditional attire of a white shirt and 'panche' (dhoti), security reportedly told him to "wear trousers and come." The incident sparked significant uproar among lawmakers.

“There had been discussion last week in the Assembly over a farmer from a village being denied entry into a mall owing to his attire, wearing a 'panche' (dhoti), which is our cultural attire. Following the incident, orders were issued for its closure. We have also decided to issue guidelines in this regard, whether it is a mall or any other place, small or big. 'Panche' is part of our culture,” said D K Shivakumar.

Shivakumar stated that the mall's closure notice was issued in response to the incident and outstanding tax dues. He noted that the mall officials had submitted a written explanation and apology, and provided a cheque to settle the tax arrears.

“Notice was issued to the mall for its closure; they also had some tax dues, we have taken a written explanation from them and also apology. They (mall) have also given a cheque to pay the tax dues. To ensure that such incidents don't repeat anywhere in the state, we will issue guidelines,” Shivakumar added.

Shivakumar specifically addressed the mall's tax liabilities, stating: “The mall had a tax arrear of Rs two crore; they made partial payments, with some amount still pending until July 31. We have received their cheque and will allow them to operate.”

In the Assembly, JD(S) floor leader C B Suresh Babu urged Shivakumar to extend the guidelines to private clubs, which also reportedly deny entry to individuals in traditional attire. “People in 'panche' are not allowed in clubs either; please include them in the guidelines,” Babu requested.

Law Minister H K Patil, however, opposed including clubs and bars in the guidelines. “This issue concerns the self-respect of farmers and village residents; don’t mix it with other matters,” Patil insisted.

Opposition Leader R Ashoka supported the guidelines but raised concerns about their long-term impact. “We know that such circulars are often forgotten after six months. I suggest including the guidelines in licensing conditions so that those in traditional attire are not harassed. This would ensure the guidelines are enforced as long as the license is valid,” he said. Ashoka also recommended that the guidelines apply to recognized clubs that have received government land and permissions.

Congress MLA and Chief Minister's economic adviser Basavaraj Rayareddi highlighted that some city clubs impose dress restrictions and suggested that circulars be issued to address this issue as well.

The government's initiative aims to ensure respect for cultural attire and prevent future discriminatory incidents.