New Delhi, July 29 -- A circular issued by Delhi University's St Stephen's College prohibited students from wearing shorts in some parts of the campus, sparking mass protests on Tuesday, with many students defying the order on the first day of the new academic session, reported Hindustan Times. The administration has also banned smoking across the campus, declaring it a smoke-free zone.

As reported by The Times of India, students termed the policy "moral policing" and described it as an intrusion into personal freedom, directly infringing on their choice of clothing.

Faculty and students said the college had discouraged wearing shorts for years, but this is the first time a formal ban has been issued.

The circular, dated 26 July, conta...