Belagavi: A video of BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi’s son, Santosh Jarkiholi, firing a gun in the air during a public event has gone viral on social media.

The incident took place on Saturday during the Mahalaxmi fair in Gokak, Belagavi district. Santosh, who was taking part in the Okuli celebrations at the Bhandara, fired a round into the air while surrounded by a crowd. His supporters were seen cheering and shouting slogans.

After the video surfaced online, the Gokak city police took note of the incident and registered a suo motu case against Santosh Jarkiholi.

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Bengaluru: A campaign opposing the dress code at Mount Carmel College has led to discussions over whether such regulations amount to moral policing and restrict students’ freedom of expression.

The campaign, shared on Instagram by Collective Bangalore, referred to the code as “new”. The college principal said the rules have existed for years, and the guidelines bar students from wearing flip-flops, cargo pants, round or V-neck T-shirts and sporting coloured hair. Male students are also required to maintain short and well-groomed hair.

Students have raised concerns not only about the dress code but also about restrictions on movement within the campus and the cancellation of student elections. Three students told Metrolife that they faced uncomfortable checks at the college gate. A first-year female student said she was once sent home for wearing pants with pockets and, on another occasion, for a sleeveless blouse despite a shirt worn over it. A male student said the rules created “unwanted fear among girls” and added that he has been repeatedly asked to cut his long hair.

Opinions from faculty and administrators across other institutions remain divided. Joshua Samuel, principal of Baldwin Methodist College, said dress codes ensure decency and equality. He added that his students generally accept them. Y C Kamala, associate professor at Government First Grade College, Malleswaram, said a dress code was “necessary” during college hours to keep the focus on academics. She also acknowledged that the idea of “decency” is subjective.

Venugopal K R, former principal of University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, supporting uniforms said that they help reduce visible disparities among students from different economic backgrounds. He compared moderate attire in classrooms to lab coats, which he said promote discipline and concentration.

In contrast, S Japhet, former vice-chancellor of Bengaluru Central University, opposed mandatory dress codes, particularly in women’s colleges. He said dress is “a form of self-expression.” He also argued that restrictions in the name of decency amount to moral policing. According to him such decision, should be made in consultation with students, parents and alumni.

Some academics described dress codes as a form of surveillance. A journalism professor said rules rooted in vague ideas of decency often lead to micromanagement, while Rolla Das, assistant professor at a private university, said arbitrary restrictions tend to reinforce veiled patriarchy and have a greater impact on students from marginalised groups.

Drawing parallels with the hijab ban controversy, critics of strict dress codes have warned that such rules could infringe on fundamental freedoms. Supporters of the dress code argue that the step encourage discipline, equality and academic focus.