Two women’s hostels of Delhi University have restricted their residents from going out on Holi which has got a shrill response from the students. However, DU’s International Student House for Women (ISHW) has said the decision was taken “in the best interest of residents”.
The Meghdoot Hostel has issued a notice which says that “the main gate will remain closed from 6 AM to 5.30 PM on March 13”. It prohibited the consumption of “any narcotic drugs in form of ‘thandai’”. Students are also advised to not return late in the evening on March 12.
“Residents and female guests will not be allowed to leave or enter the premises from 9 PM on March 12 till 6 PM on March 13. No late night permission will be granted on March 12 and those desirous of playing Holi should go outside the residential block within the hostel premises,” read the ISHW notice.
‘Pinjra Tod’, a group of students who have been fighting against discriminatory rules for girls in university hostels, said, “The rise in sexual violence and harassment that women experience on the streets around Holi is barely addressed and instead once again, women are locked up for their ‘own safety’ and arbitrary restrictions are imposed on their mobility.”
