SB Madhavi asked Mayor R Priya’s personal assistant Sivashankar to show her the government’s order that states the ban on use of lipstick. (News18 Malayalam)
Madhavi responded to a memo served to her over the lipstick controversy. She argued that such proposals violated human rights and were inappropriate within the Greater Chennai Corporation’s framework
The Greater Chennai Corporation’s first woman dafadar, SB Madhavi has been transferred to Manali allegedly for questioning the ban on wearing lipstick.
The controversy started brewing last month when Madhavi wore lipstick to an official event. Madhavi asked Mayor R Priya’s personal assistant Sivashankar to show her the government’s order that states the ban on use of lipstick. Madhavi said that the action was a violation of human rights.
Madhavi clarified her position in response to the memo received in this regard. “This is the Greater Chennai Corporation. Such proposals are a gross violation of human rights,” she said in her reply to the memo.
Madhavi added that she fulfills all responsibilities at her work. “You asked me not to use lipstick. But I didn’t obey. If it is a violation of the law, show me the government’s order regarding it,’ she continued.
Meanwhile, Mayor R Priya came up with an explanation on the issue. The Mayor said that Madhavi’s participation in the fashion show which was held as part of the Women’s Day celebration has led to a lot of criticism.
“The dafadar wears dark coloured lipstick which catches the eye quickly. There are occasions when we have to host official events involving Ministers and embassy officials,” Mayor R Priya said.
However, the Mayor pointed out that Madhavi’s transfer was not related to her wearing lipstick. Madhavi was shifted to the Manali Zone in Tamil Nadu. Madhavi expressed anger at her place of transfer, which is far away from the city. The Dafadar’s post is currently vacant.