DCW notice to Miranda House principal over selfie ban

New Delhi: The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Friday issued a notice to the principal of Miranda House over a circular issued by the college imposing a ban on taking selfies and combing hair in its corridors. The DCW notice comes after a few students approached the commission complaining about it as “misogynistic.”

“We have received a representation from students alleging that discriminatory practices are being adopted by college and such a misogynistic circular has been issued. We have asked for a point-wise reply from the college on the students’ complaint within 7 days,” a DCW official said.

The notice, directed to the School for Open learning (SOL) students who attend Sunday classes at the college, stated that activities such as clicking selfies, combing hair, and modelling in corridors amount to “misutilisation” of time and students doing so might face suspension for a day.

Students had also staged a protest last week demanding the circular to be rolled back. While college principal Pratibha Jolly had earlier claimed that the circular was aimed at ensuring “safety” of students, she had later clarified that the notice is only “suggestive” and won’t be “imposed.” However, Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, an association of SOL students, had still decided to knock the doors of the DCW.

“Miranda House College and its teachers are always fighting to ensure your higher education. We hope that women students benefit from this opportunity and focus on academics. Many women have been seen taking selfies, combing their hair and modelling in the gallery,” the notice put up by the college read.

“This is misutilisation of time. The college does not give permission for this. If any student is found misutilising their time, they will be suspended from the classes held on that particular day, and will be made to leave the college premises,” it added.