Freedom ends before midnight

St Stephen's College hostellers have to be back in their rooms by 10 pm, a rule that had existed on paper for years but is now being enforced strictly (TOI Photo)NEW DELHI: As the nation gets ready to celebrate its 60th Independence Day, St Stephen's College boys are crying for their lost freedom.
A recent college 'diktat' says hostellers have to be back in their rooms by 10 pm, a rule that had existed on paper for years but is now being enforced strictly.
Not only that, resident junior gentlemen — Stephanian-speak for hostellers — have to maintain 80% attendance, up from the previous 66%. They have to sign the attendance registers of their respective blocks and proceed to their rooms by 10 pm.
The rules have taken away the smiles from many Stephen's residents. "Earlier, we used to sign the attendance register and then sneak out for paranthas, cigarettes and liquor at Christian Colony or Hudson Lines, and return late in the night. We never faced any problems but now it is getting tough," said one of the residents, not wishing to be named.
Added another second-year resident: "Before the semesters, we used to study late hours and go out for coffee and refreshments at the science dhaba inside the campus which is open till 1 pm. Now, this eatery will also close by 10 pm."
College officials feel that residents are not there for enjoying a "good time", as officiating college principal Valson Thampu put it.
"Discipline should not be misunderstood as curtailment of freedom."