A petition filed in the Madras High Court seeks a directive for Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to adhere to the formal dress code for government officials. The plea argues that Udhayanidhi’s casual attire and display of the DMK party symbol at official events violate constitutional provisions and government regulations.
Chennai: A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a directive for Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to adhere to the prescribed dress code for government officials while performing his official duties and attending public events. The petitioner, lawyer M Sathya Kumar, has raised concerns over Udhayanidhi’s frequent appearance in casual attire during formal government functions.
In his plea, Kumar contended that Udhayanidhi has repeatedly been seen wearing T-shirts, jeans, and informal footwear during official events, violating the dress code set for government servants. The petition emphasizes that such a casual dress sense undermines the formal decorum expected from government officials.
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The plea further argues that Udhayanidhi often displays the DMK party symbol on his T-shirt at government events, which, according to the petitioner, is a violation of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Kumar specifically referenced a 2019 government order outlining the dress code for government employees, stating:
“Government Servants are required to wear neat, clean, formal attire that is appropriate to the workplace setting, so as to maintain the decorum of the office, while in duty.”
The order further elaborates that male employees should wear formal pants or veshti (dhoti) reflecting Tamil culture or any Indian traditional dress, while female employees should wear saree or salwar kameez. The order also mandates that casual attire should be avoided.
“As Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi is obligated to adhere to this dress code as outlined in the government order,”
the petitioner emphasized. The plea suggests that a public servant displaying any political party symbol during official duties is unconstitutional and illegal. Kumar also cited that the Constitution prohibits the display of party affiliation in government functions, especially by individuals holding such a high office.
The controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi Stalin’s attire has drawn public attention in recent weeks. Former AIADMK Minister D Jayakumar also criticized Udhayanidhi for his informal dress sense, stating that it reflects a disregard for the dignity of the office he holds.
The petition sheds light on an underlying concern that public servants must uphold a certain standard of professionalism and avoid actions that blur the line between their official duties and political affiliations. The petitioner expressed the view that such actions not only erode public confidence but may also set a bad precedent for other officials.
The Madras High Court is expected to consider this petition in the coming days, where the court may deliver important clarifications on whether a dress code for public officials can be enforced more strictly and whether displaying political symbols during official duties violates the Constitution.
With this petition, the conversation around the formal conduct of government officials has gained momentum, sparking debates about how strictly dress codes should be enforced and what constitutes appropriate public representation in official settings.
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