The Madras High Court has directed the authorities to ban the beauty contests or shows in all educational institutes, deemed universities that decide the best looking male and female student at cultural events. The Madras court has passed an interim order on the beauty shows after a parent filed a writ petition, whose daughter won the 'Ms Technofest 2013' event organised by Students Association and Arts Society at Central Engineering College, Anna University but was denied a prize.

The petitioner sought a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs from the organisers for ill treatment, violating her daughter's fundamental right and harmed her mentally. The judge said the compensation cannot be decided until Anna University and the event organisers file their counter affidavits. However, the court expressed concern whether such contests or shows should be conducted or not and wonder what would it give an engineering student who seriously has nothing to do with 'ramp walk.'

The petitioner brought to the notice of court that fancy prize is being offered in such cultural events which are largely funded by the corporate giants. However, such events have turned out to be a symbol of status for reputed institutes to show how lavishly they can organise cultural events and bring in celebrities to publicity sake.

- TVR