Two girls’ hostels owned by Delhi University have barred the boarders from stepping out on Holi, drawing sharp reactions from students who termed the move as "arbitrary".
DU's International Student House for Women (ISHW) has said the decision was taken "in the best interest of residents".
Residents and female guests will not be allowed to leave or enter the premises from 9 pm on 12 March till 6 pm on 13 March. No late night permission will be granted on 12 March and those desirous of playing Holi should go outside the residential block within the hostel premises.ISHW Notice
Similarly, Meghdoot Hostel has issued a notice informing its boarders that "the main gate will remain closed from 6 am to 5.30 pm on 13 March".
It barred the inmates from consuming "any narcotic drugs in form of thandai, while also advising the students not to return to the hostel late in the evening of 12 March.
'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.
The community had, on Saturday, also put up this Facebook post, condemning the sexual harassment that women are subjected to on Holi:
The group had last week protested outside the office of the Women and Child Development Ministry here, objecting to a statement by its minister Maneka Gandhi advocating hostel curfew for school and college students (both boys and girls) to protect them from their "own hormonal outbursts".
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