The group handing their complaint to cops, Agent Jack’s Bar on SB Road and the notice outside the resto-bar outlining the dress code; PICS: MANOJ BIDKAR & NIKHIL GHORPADE In a perplexing bid to maintain ‘decency’ within their premises, several pubs and restaurants across Pune have a rule that customers in shorts and open footwear will not be allowed inside. While there is no known data proving that untoward incidents are caused only by guests wearing such outfits, it continues to be a bane for those stepping out for a relaxed evening in the city.A group of six men came up against this rule on Tuesday night at Agent Jack’s Bar on Senapati Bapat Road where they were prohibited from entering the resto-pub, simply because of what they were wearing. The group — Aseem Tribhuvan, Viraj Munot, Dr Ajit Wadikar, Sanjay Hosmani, Dr Pradeep Shalini and Vilas Kondhakkar — have filed a complaint with Chaturshringi police, alleging discrimination.Narrating the incident, Tribhuvan, a writer by profession, told Mirror, “It was around 11 pm on Tuesday and we wanted to go and watch the football match over dinner. We checked online to see what was open at that time and got the number for Agent Jack’s. I called and they assured me that they were open till late. The man I spoke to also said something about ‘looking decent’ and then hung up. At first, I thought I must have misheard him. I spoke to my friends and we decided to visit the place anyway.”The night went rapidly downhill thereafter.“As soon as we arrived, the manager stopped us at the reception and refused to let us in, saying we were not dressed appropriately. He then showed me the board displaying the rules, which said, ‘Guests wearing slippers, shorts, track pants, etc. will not be allowed in. All guests are requested to dress appropriately.’He then pointed out that two members of our group — Shalini and Hosmani — were in shorts and slippers, which are strictly not allowed inside the premises. I told the manager to check the rules with a higher authority. He went inside and returned with a similar response. Frustrated, we called the police control room. Fortunately, a patrolling van was passing by the restaurant and we stopped them for help and narrated the entire incident. The cops suggested that we approach the Chaturshringi police station and file a written complaint,” added Tribhuvan.“We felt that entering a restaurant or pub dressed however we chose was our fundamental right. This was discrimination on the basis of class and absolutely not acceptable. We were in no way inebriated or creating any sort of ruckus and were well able to afford food and drink at the restaurant. But, there was no point in arguing with the manager,” Tribhuvan told Mirror, adding they would continue to fight for a better policy.However, sticking to their guns, the administration at the restaurant was clear that they are well within their rights to set rules for entry. “Our staff politely told the guests that they were not dressed appropriately for the place. We have put up a board outside our establishment to make it clear that those who are in shorts or slippers will not be allowed inside. We want to maintain a certain decorum,” said Goldie Narang, director of Agent Jack’s Bar at SB Road. He added that earlier, they did not have the board announcing their rules, but would verbally tell their patrons. Now, to avoid ambiguity and conflicts, they put up the board to make things clearer.The legal fraternity, too, seems to be backing the restaurateur. Noted lawyer SK Jain explained that the restaurant was not discriminating on the grounds of caste, creed or religion. “It is the management’s discretion to put restrictions on entry. As long as they do not violate a person’s constitutional rights, they are well within the law. The restaurant management can have a policy about dress code and those who want to be entertained there, need to follow those rules,” said Jain insisting that it is nothing but a matter of maintaining decorum of an establishment.Mirror also spoke to advocate Dadasaheb Kotkar, who similarly said, “This may be related to people’s fundamental rights, but the premises were at a private property and the owner has the right to set rules and regulation. There are no laws against this. Also, the restaurant staff had not objected on the basis of caste or religion, so they were not breaking the law.”The legal fraternity does seem to have a point there. According to Article 15 of the Constitution of India, a citizen should not be denied access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment, ‘on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.’ But, denying entry on the basis of how one dresses is not a violation of Article 15.On his part, senior police inspector Dayanand Dhome of Chaturshringi police station said, “Prima facie, no criminal act has occurred. The staffers did not misbehave with the group and there was no verbal duel or assault. However, we have taken down the written complaint and further investigation is underway.”This isn’t the first time Agent Jack’s has made news for the rules it imposes on patrons. Last September, an LGBT couple was barred from the bar’s Koregaon Park branch, with the manager saying they did not recognise gay couples and could not admit them as ‘stags’ or bachelors weren’t allowed either.The youngsters, however, are in no mood to give up the fight and are already consulting lawyers. “If there isn’t a uniform policy yet, it should be formed,” Tribhuvan said in conclusion.

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