Gujarat banks pull down notices banning burqas

SURAT: The Ambaji Road branch of Bank of Baroda on Saturday removed the notice barring the entry of people wearing 'burqa, helmets and sunglasses'. Notices put up by Bank of Baroda and Dena Bank on New Civil Hospital campus in Surat had irked some members of the minority community. The pictures of the notices were shared on social media.
"There was no intention to hurt the sentiments of any community," said Navin Gokhiya, manager of the Bank of Baroda branch on Ambaji Road. "We have removed the notices. They were put up a few weeks ago but the objections were raised now," he added.
The notice at the Ambaji Road branch read: "Please remove your helmet/burqa. No admission with helmet/burqa." Another notice put up at the Dena Bank's branch said, "As per the police commissioner's orders, no one should enter the bank or its ATM wearing burqa, helmet or oversised goggles."

"I strongly condemn any attempt to ban attire directly associated with our religion. The bank authorities could have said that face should not be covered for security reasons. They cannot ban burqas which cover a woman from head to toe," said Babu Pathan, a lawyer and Muslim community leader.
When asked about the instructions given to banks by police, Surat police commissioner Satish Sharma said, "Police has not issued any such instructions to this effect." "We have not received any complaint on this issue," said Surat district collector Dhaval Patel.