Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly Ramesh Tawadkar has reportedly banned black clothing for visitors and journalists at the Goa Assembly. As a result it is learnt that students visiting to observe the session had to remove their black jackets of hoodies before entering the assembly premises. They had to leave these items on the ground floor of the Assembly complex. This new rule ostensibly aims to maintain decorum and order during assembly sessions. Another question that arises is how can wearing black clothing go against maintaining decorum and order during assembly sessions? It is pertinent to note that wearing black clothing has become a fashion statement. Black is beautiful. There is a world of difference between wearing black clothes and carrying black flags or wearing black band on the sleeve as a mark of protest. The wearing of black clothing has been a long-accepted tradition among Catholics which is intended to show respect for the deceased. Will Catholics attending the assembly who are in mourning, including MLAs, and wearing black clothes not be allowed to enter the assembly premises?
