NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported stopping of a farmer from boarding the metro train by an official due to his untidy attire

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi, 28th February, 2024

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported stopping of a farmer from boarding the metro train by an official due to his untidy attire

Commission observes no one can be denied access to public transport based on his attire

Issues notices to Karnataka Chief Secretary, MD, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited

Reports sought within four weeks

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a farmer was stopped from boarding a metro train by an official at the Rajajinagar station, Bengaluru in Karnataka because his clothes were untidy. Reportedly, the video of the incident went viral on social media.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to a violation of human rights. No person can be denied access to public transport based on the nature of the clothes he or she is wearing. If someone possesses any objectionable material, he could be stopped only as per the provisions of the law.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka and the Managing Director, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), calling for a detailed report within four weeks. It should also include the steps taken/ proposed to be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

According to the media report, carried on 27th February, 2024, the farmer was visible in the video standing with a sack of goods on his head at the bag checking point of the metro station. When an official stopped the farmer, another passenger objected to his action and asked him to show the rule that made a dress code mandatory for the metro passengers or whether the metro was meant only for VIPs. He shared the video of the incident on social media.

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