Perplexed by this, the woman tried to explain how it was important for her to get in as soon as possible. But the security personnel were adamant and soon a curious crowd had gathered to watch the argument between her and the security personnel.
Later, when the goings-on drew the attention of the district judge, he instructed the guards to let her in.
However, she told Republica on condition of anonymity that she was allowed entry only after she wrapped a shawl around her legs. " I had to do that just to enter the court," she said.
Though there is no legal restriction against women in skirts or mini-skirts entering a court of law, it is not allowed in order to maintain court decorum, according to one of the policemen manning the entrance of Kathmandu District Court.
"You saw how many people gathered around in a while because of one dress. When that could happen outside the court building, it's not hard to imagine the effect if women roam inside in such outfits. It may distract the stakeholders during court hearings," security personnel argued.
However, according to the woman in the skirt, she was not wearing anything revealing. It was her causal wear. Kathmandu is home to diverse groups of people and has always prided itself on its progressive values, ideas and attitudes. But the skirt incident does raise a question mark.
Nor is this the first such incident. Chintu Shrestha, a local of Chabahil in the capital, went through a similar experience at the district court on Sunday.
A skirt is part of the official dress code for women staff at the international organization where Shrestha works. When she appeared in her office dress at the court entrance, she was stopped. Security personnel told her that women dressed like that were not allowed inside.
"I was not wearing anything revealing and I explained that it was our office outfit," she told Republica. Her skirt length was below the knees, but the security personnel nevertheless refused her entry.
"They finally let me in after a long argument and after I produced my official identity card," said the woman.
"I felt further embarrassed as I was with my husband at the time," she recalled while talking to Republica, Monday. According to her, they warned her not to appear in court again in a skirt.
Following these incidents, court officials and security personnel acknowledged that they have banned the entry of women in short outfits inside the court. But they cited instructions from higher up.
Meanwhile, Mohana Ansari, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, condemned any such ban. "While any place can have a sense of decorum, the choice of clothing is part of people's human rights," she said. "In some communities a skirt is part of the traditional outfit. Are such people to be banned from court entry?"
However, Nepal Bar Association Vice-Chairman Tikaram Bhattarai said, "While nothing is illegal unless it is specifically barred by law, it is also not appropriate to dress just as one pleases just because it is not illegal."
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