Khakhi or else get a dressing down

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. Chennai Police Commissionerate is going ahead with its new rule that reportedly bans policemen from being seen in casual wear jeans and T- shirts to be specific on its premises. . Sources say policemen who come to Commissionerate in mufti both on duty or off-duty have been prohibited from donning casual clothes. The ban applies to every member of the police force irrespective of his/her rank. While a few police constables are opposed to the move, which they dub as ‘unnecessary’, there are senior police officials who are of the view that it is a ‘welcome’ move. The dress code which is to be implemented from the current year has been put in place to ensure orderliness and discipline. However sources say that those violating the rule would be let off with a reprimand. A senior police officer says, ‘police constables would not be allowed to wear ‘objectionable’ outfits like jeans, inside the Commissioner’s office, as such garments invite unnecessary attention. A proper dress code will be in keeping with the formal atmosphere. The new dress code has not found favour with constables. ‘As policemen we are conscious of what we wear to the city chief’s office,’ says a police constable not wanting to be identified. ‘Moreover we wear jeans only during weekends. It is comfortable and need not be washed for days together,’ he feels. Another senior police official who welcomed the restrictions has said that any step taken by seniors to enforce discipline should be encouraged. However, he clarified that the dress code had not been imposed forcibly and that the decision was taken after considering the opinion of several police officers. ‘Though no official orders have been passed in this connection it has been left to the grapevine to pass the message,’ he said.

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