St Stephen's College in Delhi University has implemented a new circular banning shorts in classrooms, tutorial rooms, laboratories, the chapel, assembly hall, library, and dining hall, prompting student protests and criticism. The move, which formalizes a long-standing informal discouragement, has been labeled as 'moral policing' by some students who also cite practical difficulties, especially for those involved in sports. This stricter enforcement of campus regulations comes as the new academic session begins, with the college also reiterating its smoke-free policy and waste management guidelines. The circular requires students to carry ID cards for dining hall entry and adhere to overall campus decorum.

St Stephen's College in Delhi University has implemented a new circular banning shorts in classrooms, tutorial rooms, laboratories, the chapel, assembly hall, library, and dining hall, prompting student protests and criticism. The move, which formalizes a long-standing informal discouragement, has been labeled as 'moral policing' by some students who also cite practical difficulties, especially for those involved in sports. This stricter enforcement of campus regulations comes as the new academic session begins, with the college also reiterating its smoke-free policy and waste management guidelines. The circular requires students to carry ID cards for dining hall entry and adhere to overall campus decorum.

St Stephen's College in Delhi University has implemented a new circular banning shorts in classrooms, tutorial rooms, laboratories, the chapel, assembly hall, library, and dining hall, prompting student protests and criticism. The move, which formalizes a long-standing informal discouragement, has been labeled as 'moral policing' by some students who also cite practical difficulties, especially for those involved in sports. This stricter enforcement of campus regulations comes as the new academic session begins, with the college also reiterating its smoke-free policy and waste management guidelines. The circular requires students to carry ID cards for dining hall entry and adhere to overall campus decorum.

Delhi University's St Stephen's College has issued a new circular prohibiting students from wearing shorts in classrooms and several other areas on campus, triggering criticism and protests from sections of the student community.

According to reports, several students defied the dress code on the very first day of the new academic session, which began on Tuesday.

The circular, issued on July 26 by Principal Professor Susan Elias, bars students from wearing shorts in classrooms, tutorial rooms, laboratories, the chapel, assembly hall, library, and dining hall.

"All junior members are required to strictly adhere to the campus regulations," the order stated.

Students and faculty members said that while the college has informally discouraged wearing shorts for several years, this is the first time the restriction has been formally enforced through an official circular.

The move has drawn criticism from several quarters. While some students described the dress code as an instance of "moral policing," others argued that it would create practical difficulties, particularly for those participating in sports and other physical activities.

"Students returning from sports practice have at times been denied entry into the mess because they were wearing shorts," a student told the Times of India.

The circular, titled "Campus Regulations & Guidelines", also reiterates that the entire campus is a designated smoke-free zone, warning that violations will invite strict disciplinary action. It further instructs students to help maintain campus cleanliness by using designated waste bins.

The students have also been directed to carry their college identity cards at all times and present them before entering the dining hall for meals.

Delhi University's new academic session commenced on Tuesday, with colleges across the university welcoming freshers through orientation and induction programmes. Several colleges are also holding department-wise orientation sessions to familiarise new students with campus life, academic procedures, and student support services.