Passport Office Bars Youth in Shorts, Sparks Dress Code Debate
Father’s intervention gets entry approved, as guard laments declining respect for public institutions
A young man was initially denied entry into a passport office for wearing shorts, sparking a debate on social media about dress codes in government institutions and the generational divide on appropriate attire.
The incident came to light after X user Vineeth K posted about it on Monday. “A young adult came to the passport office in his shorts today (I was waiting outside for my turn). Security told, ‘shorts are not allowed – this is a passport office,’” he wrote. The man reportedly argued, saying, “We go to our corporate offices this way. Why don’t you allow it in a govt office?”
After a brief standoff, the man’s father, in his 60s, went inside and requested an exception from the passport officer, explaining that his son had travelled from far. The officer allowed the young man in.
Vineeth also quoted the security guard afterward: “Some people don’t give value to our work and our offices. Who comes to office in nightwear? There are women, elders inside — what if they feel uncomfortable? The entire generation is getting spoilt, and their parents don’t say a word.”
The post quickly gained traction, dividing opinion. Some users echoed the guard’s sentiments, calling for a minimum standard of decency at public offices, while others slammed the unspoken restrictions, arguing that clothing should not define access to services.
Government offices in India do not have clearly defined dress codes for visitors, and the Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the incident.
The episode has reopened conversations about professionalism, social norms, and the generational perception of respect and decorum in public institutions.
