Delhi restaurant that denied entry to saree-clad woman shut by civic body

A Delhi restaurant that allegedly denied entry to a saree-clad woman last week has been shut by civic authorities. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation issued a closure notice to the Aquila restaurant for operating without a trade licence.

South Delhi Municipal Corporation mayor Mukesh Suryan confirmed that the restaurant has been closed.

Officials said that the Aquila restaurant was operating without a proper licence. They are also exploring other actions, including imposing a penalty in accordance with the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act against the eatery as it was functioning without approval from the civic body.

The closure notice said the area public health inspector found during a check on September 21 that the facility is running without a health trade licence and under unhygienic conditions. It also flagged alleged encroachment on public land.

A video had gone viral last week, wherein a woman was allegedly not allowed to enter the restaurant as she was wearing a saree because it does not fall under the category of “smart casual”.