Two Delhi University hostels for female students banned hostellers from stepping out of the hostel on occasion of Holi. Delhi University’s International Student House For Women (ISHW) said the decision was taken ‚Äúin the best interest of residents‚Äù.
“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” the ISHW notice read.
Meghdoot Hostel has issued a similar notice,informing students that ‚Äúthe main gate will remain closed from 6 AM to 5.30 PM on March 13‚Äù.It also barred the inmates from consuming ‚Äúany narcotic drugs in form of ‚Äòthandai’.” It also instructed students not to return late to the hostel on the eve of Holi.
Pinjra Tod,the student group fighting against discriminatory rules for females in Delhi University 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 ‚Äòown safety‚Äô and arbitrary restrictions are imposed on their mobility.‚Äù
