Passport office or fashion show? Guard denies man's entry wearing shorts, sparks online debate

Time of India

02-05-2025

A recent incident at an
India passport office
has lit the fires once again around dress codes, public decency, and changing social norms. The incident made headlines after one of its startup founder constituents posted on social media that a young man was refused entrance into the office for dressing in shorts and slippers.
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This rather innocuous incident has raised bigger questions around what is acceptable to wear to formal places, particularly government offices. As attitudes around professionalism and self-expression change, a growing debate exists about the importance of clear policies versus the enforcement of unspoken cultural norms.
Passport office security guard refused to let the man enter over his casual attire
As he waited at the passport office, Vineeth K saw a young man being halted by security because of his dress shorts and slippers.
The guard told him that this was not acceptable in the office. Taken aback, the young man asked for the reason, citing that informal dressing is the norm in most corporate offices these days. He asked, "We go to our corporate offices like this. Why don't you let us do it in a government office?"
The tension was defused when the young man's father got involved. He went straight to the passport officer and told them that they had come from a distance and requested a special exception once.
The officer agreed, and the young man was permitted to enter.
Security guard expresses frustration over casual attire
After the incident, the security guard spoke with Vineeth K. Frustrated, the guard explained, "Some individuals don't place value on our work and our offices. Who visits an office in nightwear? There are women and elders within—what if they get uncomfortable?" He also complained about the influence of parenting and societal norms in destroying what he perceived as fundamental standards of respect.
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His remarks show a wider cultural backdrop in which formal dress is associated with seriousness and respect, especially in government areas long considered to be symbols of order and authority.
Social media responds to dress code debate, urges clear guidelines
The post triggered thousands of reactions, with opinions split on both sides. Many criticised the unwritten and inconsistently enforced dress norms. One user noted, 'If they want a dress code, they should list it clearly on their website.
We're paying for a service.' Another noted the inconsistency by referencing historical norms, saying, 'The Indian police used to wear shorts until the 70s.' Conversely, some users defended the security guard's position. One commenter asked, "Would anyone dress like that to visit a municipal commissioner regarding a property issue?" Others underscored the fact that government offices naturally anticipate some level of decorum, if not formally enshrined.
The argument also points towards a chronic flaw in Indian government services—implied rather than explicit policies, and lack of transparency. Numerous government offices are run on unspoken rules, which result in confusion and, at times, embarrassment for those visiting. Others contend that, if guidelines regarding attire are deemed essential, they must be provided and available in visible form at the point of entry or via official websites.
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