Can Lawyers Avoid Wearing Black Coats In Summer? Supreme Court Dismisses Plea

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a petition seeking direction about lawyers being exempted from wearing black coats during summer.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, hearing a petition filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, said there has to be some decorum that needs to be followed in court.

The dress code for lawyers is as per the Bar Council of India Rules and the Advocates Act of 1961.

In his plea, Tripathi sought directions to state bar councils to determine the months of prevailing summer for each state so that wearing of black coat and gown may be exempted for those months.

“Gowns are already exempted. You have to wear something. You cannot argue in kurta pyjama or T-shirt and shorts. There has to be some decorum in court,” the CJI said during a brief hearing on Tuesday.

When the counsel pressed for an exemption, the Supreme Court bench asked, “Tell us what the dress should be according to you.”

“Conditions in Rajasthan are not the same as conditions in Bangalore. There is some decorum in the Bar. You have to come in proper attire to maintain the decorum of the court,” Justice Chandrachud added.

While dismissing the plea, the bench recorded in the order: “Counsel submits that he will make representation before the Bar Council of India and the Union of India over the dress code for lawyers.”