Restaurant in Delhi under scrutiny for enforcing ban on traditional Indian clothing; Chief Minister initiates prompt investigation
A restaurant in Delhi's Pitampura metro premises has faced backlash after denying entry to a couple wearing traditional Indian attire (kurta-salwar), leading to widespread outrage and allegations of discrimination. The incident occurred on August 3, 2025, and a video of the couple complaining about being refused entry and staff misbehavior went viral on social media [1][2][3][5].
Following public outcry, Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered an investigation [1][2][3]. The district magistrate and officials spoke directly with the restaurant owner, who publicly apologised via video and confirmed that any unofficial dress code discriminating against Indian attire would be scrapped immediately. The restaurant also announced special Raksha Bandhan discounts for women in traditional outfits and posted a notice welcoming guests in Indian wear [1][2][5].
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra stated that the restaurant owner accepted that no restrictions based on attire would be imposed going forward, and the management invited officials to visit the premises [1][2][3]. The incident sparked strong criticism on social media, with many calling the discrimination a reflection of a lingering colonial mindset in hospitality and urging boycotts until respect for cultural attire is ensured [3].
However, the restaurant owner, Neeraj Aggarwal, denies the allegations made by Nathaniel Lacsina, who filmed a video accusing the restaurant of discriminating against customers wearing Indian attire [1][2][4]. According to Aggarwal, the couple was refused entry not due to attire, but because they had not booked a table [4].
The incident has been unacceptable in Delhi, according to Kapil Mishra, who also posted about it on social media [1]. On Rakshabandhan, sisters wearing Indian attire would be offered special discounts by the restaurant, as announced by Mishra [1].
In a separate development, Mishra announced a deal for seniors to fly Business Class for the price of Economy Class [6]. The details of this airline deal are not specified in the article.
The investigation confirmed the restaurant had an unofficial dress code discriminating against Indian traditional clothing, but after official intervention, this policy was rescinded, accompanied by public apologies and gestures to promote inclusivity [1][2][3][5]. The officials have been instructed to take immediate action regarding the incident [1][2].
- The general-news about the controversy surrounding the restaurant in Delhi's Pitampura metro premises has extended to political discussions, with Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra commenting on the incident, stating that the unofficial dress code discriminating against Indian traditional clothing has been rescinded after official intervention.
- Despite the restaurant owner, Neeraj Aggarwal's denial of the allegations made by Nathaniel Lacsina, the crime-and-justice aspect of the issue has been highlighted through various news outlets, with many pointing to the video evidence of the incident as proof of discrimination.
