Imkong Walling
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is a phrase that would, in all likelihood, be ingrained in any person, who has been to school.
At an individual, as well as, at a broader societal level, it would imply respecting another’s beliefs, customs and rights, or in other words, respecting the neighbour’s rights. It is not uncommon for travelers being briefed on dos and don’ts, or advisories on social conduct, during a visit abroad or to a new place with customs different to one’s place of origin.
For instance, it would be required upon visitors to take off shoes before entering a place of worship or in the case of visits to nations with strong Islamic tradition, women are required to cover the face with a scarf in line with the prevailing local custom or rule.
When it comes to clothing, employees, particularly the uniformed services, are required to maintain a strict dress code. In the academic field, majority of schools in India follow a strict dress code (school uniform) failing to respect which a student would be ineligible for admission.
Such customs have been accepted without question, with fostering friendliness and good relations between peoples and nations at the core, and imbibing discipline in the case of the uniformed services.
However, there arises a question mark when it comes to civilians or when civilians are required to dress a certain way when visiting a public office. For example, the requirement of ‘decent/formal’ clothing for civilians to enter a police establishment.
There have been instances and more recently, a journalist denied an appointment with the police chief of Dimapur for failing to meet a certain dress code i.e. an unstated ‘no shorts, no slippers/flip-flops’ norm reportedly in place at the office of the Commissioner of Police. It so happened that the journalist was turned away for wearing shorts and ‘chappals.’
A few years back, a similar incident in Dimapur, involving a journalist had also made the news.
The police establishment would, in all likelihood, regard this editorial piece as the press’ way of getting back. However, it is not intended as such.
The intent of this piece is to highlight a dilemmatic ‘what if’ situation.
While the ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ caveat sounds sensible to formal meetings and appointments, it gets problematic or rather citizen-unfriendly when it comes to the general population, especially the marginalized section.
What if a homeless person in need, who can hardly afford a decent meal, let alone formal clothing, is turned away at the gates of police stations/establishments for failing a dress code?
One would also argue that the Army has the same rule for visitors entering its establishments and no one is complaining. Well, the Police is an altogether different entity, which sole purpose is dealing with the civilian population of all hues and status unlike the Army.
It is assumed the ‘no shorts’ rule is aimed at maintaining the dignity of the Police establishment. At the same time, it would also be sensible to consider the fact the much of India’s population have no access to decent clothing.
The writer is a Principal Correspondent at The Morung Express. Comments can be sent to imkongwalls@gmail.com
