Archive · 29 Jul 2026
St Stephen’s Dress Code Sparks Student Protests
Students at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi are upset about a new rule that says they can’t wear shorts in certain places like classrooms and the library.
They think this rule is unfair and takes away their freedom to choose what to wear.
Two student groups, NSUI and KYS, are asking the college to remove this rule.
They say the college should let students decide what to wear and not try to control them.
The college hasn’t said anything about the protests yet.
St. Stephen’s College issued a notice on July 26 prohibiting students from wearing shorts in specific areas.
Student organizations NSUI and KYS criticized the dress code, calling it moral policing and an infringement on personal liberty.
NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar argued that the dress code violates constitutional rights and imposes an ideological agenda.
The notice also reiterated other regulations like maintaining a smoke-free zone and carrying valid identity cards.
The college administration has not yet responded to the protests.
- Who
- St. Stephen’s College students and organizations like NSUI and KYS
- What
- Protest against the new dress code prohibiting shorts in certain areas
- When
- Notice issued on July 26, protests on July 29
- Where
- St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, New Delhi
- Why
- Students argue the dress code infringes on personal liberty and amounts to moral policing.
Student Organizations
College Administration
Dress Code Restrictions
Student Organizations
The dress code is an attack on students' constitutional rights and personal liberty, amounting to moral policing.
College Administration
The dress code is a necessary regulation to maintain decorum and discipline on campus.
- Date of Notice
- July 26
- Issuing Authority
- Principal Susan Elias
- Prohibited Areas for Shorts
- Classrooms, tutorials, laboratories, chapel, assembly hall, library, dining hall
- Student Organizations Protesting
- National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS)
- Additional Regulations
- Smoke-free zone, cleanliness, valid identity cards