The federation of retail traders welfare association (FRTWA) has opposed the BMC decision to ban the display of mannequins in lingerie or “skimpy clothes” outside garment shops in the city.
In a letter shot to the municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte and mayor Sunil Prabhu, the FRTWA president Viren Shah said the decision has been taken without consulting or taking the association into confidence. The BMC’s move will restrict the freedom of display of lingerie products on mannequins.
Mr Shah said, “There are huge hoardings and advertisements, where models are seen wearing undergarments. Our display is only on mannequins whereas advertisements are through live models and fashion shows. Then why only shops are punished?”
The Centre has allowed FDI in retail, wherein many foreign multinational shops, including lingerie brands, can set up exclusive undergarment stores and sell products, he added.
The civic general body ruled by Shiv Sena-BJP, has demanded Mr Kunte to prepare new guidelines on “indecent display” of lingerie in public areas.
The proposal was mooted by BJP corporator from Ghatkopar, Ritu Tawade, on April 26 and passed on May 16. Once approved by the commissioner, it would allow civic officials to get shopkeepers to remove a mannequin if they think it is scantily dressed.
Mr Prabhu has supported Ms Tawade. “Such restrictions are necessary in the wake of rising sexual crimes against women. Such scantily clad mannequins do invite unwanted attention of men and the resulting surge of sex crimes,” said Mr Prabhu.
Provisions of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, states that indecent representation of women means the depiction in any manner of the figure of a woman; her form or body or any part thereof in such way as to have the effect of being indecent, or derogatory to, or denigrating women, or is likely to deprave, corrupt or injure the public morality or morals.