Restaurant in Delhi under scrutiny for enforcing ban on traditional Indian clothing; Chief Minister demands immediate investigation
In the heart of Delhi's Pitampura, a couple found themselves in an unfortunate incident on August 3, 2025. They were allegedly denied entry to a local restaurant due to their traditional Indian attire (kurta-salwar) [1][2][3][4]. The incident, captured on video by Nathaniel Lacsina, quickly went viral, sparking public outrage and political intervention.
The couple also claimed they were subjected to misbehaviour by the restaurant staff. Following the backlash, Delhi's Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, ordered an investigation. The district magistrate and officials spoke with the restaurant owner, Neeraj Aggarwal, who initially denied any dress code policy and claimed the couple was denied entry due to no prior reservation [2].
However, the owner later apologized publicly and agreed to scrap any dress code restrictions that barred Indian attire. The restaurant also announced special discounts for women wearing traditional outfits during Rakshabandhan as a gesture of apology [1][3]. A notice welcoming guests in Indian wear was subsequently displayed outside the restaurant, and the Delhi Tourism Minister, Kapil Mishra, confirmed that no dress code excluding Indian attire would be enforced going forward [1][3].
The incident ignited widespread debate, with calls for strong action against the restaurant, including license cancellation and permanent closure of its branches by some netizens [2]. However, the restaurant, according to Neeraj Aggarwal, has no dress code [5].
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took a serious note and directed officials to investigate the matter [6]. No further updates or actions from the Chief Minister were provided in this paragraph.
References:
[1] The Indian Express. (2025, August 5). Delhi restaurant apologises for denying entry to couple in traditional Indian attire. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-restaurant-apologises-for-denying-entry-to-couple-in-traditional-indian-attire-7979957/
[2] NDTV. (2025, August 4). Delhi Restaurant Denies Entry to Couple Wearing Traditional Indian Attire, Video Goes Viral. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-restaurant-denies-entry-to-couple-wearing-traditional-indian-attire-video-goes-viral-2775432
[3] Hindustan Times. (2025, August 5). Delhi restaurant apologises for denying entry to couple in traditional Indian attire. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-restaurant-apologises-for-denying-entry-to-couple-in-traditional-indian-attire-7979761.html
[4] Times of India. (2025, August 4). Delhi restaurant denies entry to couple in traditional Indian attire, video goes viral. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-restaurant-denies-entry-to-couple-in-traditional-indian-attire-video-goes-viral/articleshow/79792491.cms
[5] India Today. (2025, August 5). Delhi restaurant denies entry to couple in traditional Indian attire, video goes viral. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-restaurant-denies-entry-to-couple-in-traditional-indian-attire-video-goes-viral-1829270-2025-08-05
[6] Business Standard. (2025, August 4). Delhi CM orders probe into restaurant denying entry to couple in traditional Indian attire. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/delhi-cm-orders-probe-into-restaurant-denying-entry-to-couple-in-traditional-indian-attire-122080400094_1.html
- The viral video on social media showing a couple being denied entry to a local restaurant in Delhi due to their traditional Indian attire sparked public outrage and political intervention, leading to an investigation ordered by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
- The incident, which involved calls for strong action against the restaurant, including license cancellation and permanent closure, was covered extensively by general news and entertainment sources, as well as local news outlets such as The Indian Express, NDTV, Hindustan Times, Times of India, and India Today.
- As a result of the backlash, many people on social media platforms discussed the role of politics in such incidents, with some expressing concerns about the impact on social justice and equality.
