DU ‘Nari Shakti’ Event Sparks Row After Student Claims Sleeveless Outfit Kept Her Off Stage

Last Updated:April 16, 2026, 8:30 PM IST

The incident took place at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) during a mock parliament programme themed on “Nari Shakti”.

In the video, Saarah Sharma said she was stopped after reaching the venue.

A video posted by a Delhi University student alleging she was barred from going on stage for wearing a sleeveless outfit at a women’s empowerment event triggered a heated online debate, with conflicting accounts emerging over what actually happened. The incident took place at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) during a mock parliament programme themed on “Nari Shakti”.

The student, Saarah Sharma of Daulat Ram College, shared a video claiming she had been invited to participate in the session and selected to felicitate judges at the event, where Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya was present as chief guest.

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In the video, Saarah Sharma said she was stopped after reaching the venue. She alleged that officials objected to her attire because she was wearing a sleeveless traditional suit and told her she could not go on stage for the felicitation. According to Saarah Sharma, the remark was made publicly, leaving her embarrassed and uncomfortable. She said her outfit was otherwise similar to those worn by other participants.

As the video gained traction online, other students who said they were present at the event disputed Saarah Sharma’s version. Vibha Chhabra, who said she was involved in the felicitation process, claimed Saarah Sharma had already been assigned multiple on-stage responsibilities and later agreed to step aside after a discussion. She also said no objection was raised over Saarah Sharma’s clothing and noted that others in similar attire were allowed.

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Another account came from Instagram user Disha Goyal, who said she witnessed the exchange. Disha Goyal wrote that Saarah Sharma already held a key portfolio in the mock parliament and was scheduled to speak and raise a motion, while another participant had requested the felicitation role. According to Disha Goyal, Saarah Sharma initially objected but later agreed to step back. She further alleged the controversy was being amplified for social media attention.

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