Archive · 29 Jul 2026
St Stephen's College Bans Shorts in Key Areas
St Stephen's College in Delhi has introduced a new dress code that bans students from wearing shorts in classrooms, the chapel, the assembly hall, the library, and the dining hall.
This has sparked debates among students, who see it as an infringement on their personal freedom.
Some students, especially those involved in sports, find the ban inconvenient as they often wear shorts for practice.
The college administration, however, views the dress code as a way to maintain decorum and uphold long-standing traditions.
The notice also declares the entire campus a smoke-free zone and requires students to carry their ID cards at all times.
The college has not issued a public clarification on the notice, and there has been no official response from the University of Delhi.
St Stephen's College has banned shorts in classrooms, the chapel, the assembly hall, the library, and the dining hall.
The notice was issued on July 26 by Principal Susan Elias.
Students have criticized the ban, calling it moral policing and an infringement on personal freedom.
Sports students are particularly affected as they often wear shorts for practice and have been denied entry to the dining hall.
The college has not provided a public clarification on the notice.
- Who
- St Stephen's College, Delhi University students and administration
- What
- Implementation of a strict dress code banning shorts in key campus areas
- When
- Notice issued on July 26
- Where
- St Stephen's College, Delhi University
- Why
- To maintain decorum and adhere to long-standing traditions, though specific rationale is not provided
Students' Perspective
College Administration
Freedom of Choice
Students' Perspective
Students view the ban as an infringement on their personal freedom and a form of moral policing.
College Administration
The college administration sees the dress code as a long-standing tradition and a means to maintain decorum on campus.
Impact on Sports Students
Students' Perspective
Sports students argue that the ban inconveniences them, as they often wear shorts for practice and are denied entry to the dining hall.
College Administration
The administration has not explicitly addressed the impact on sports students but maintains the dress code for all areas except the sports field.
- Institution
- St Stephen's College, Delhi University
- Date of Notice
- July 26
- Principal
- Susan Elias
- Prohibited Areas for Shorts
- Classrooms, Tutorials, Laboratories, Chapel, Assembly Hall, Library, Dining Hall
- Smoke-Free Zone
- Entire campus
- ID Card Requirement
- Must be carried at all times
