The Supreme Court reprimanded the advocate who came to seek relief from the dress code in the summer season. The apex court says that decorum has to be maintained in the court and you have to come in appropriate clothes. Actually, the petitioner wanted exemption from black coat and gown and permission for any other color. He had cited the weather for this.
The petition reached before a bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra. According to a report by Bar and Bench, the bench said that since the weather conditions vary across the country, this would be a proper issue for the Bar Council of India and the Central Government to take a decision.
The court said, ‘But the situation in Rajasthan is not like Bengaluru. In such a situation, let the Bar Council take a decision. Decorum is necessary for the Supreme Court. You have to come here in proper clothes.’ The special thing is that in the year 2022 also, petitioner advocate Shailendra Tiwari had filed a petition in the Supreme Court. However, then he was asked to approach the BCI, after which he withdrew the petition.
The special thing is that he was also told that if BCI does not take any action, then he can approach the court. Hearing on this matter was held on Monday as well.
The court said, ‘Exemption has already been given regarding gown. You have to wear something. You cannot argue wearing kurta-pyjama or shorts and T-shirt. Also, some decorum is also necessary.’ When asked what should be the ideal dress for lawyers, they demanded exemption from black color and gown. The court asked them to approach BCI and the Center.
The petitioner had said in the petition that the black robe-coat-blazer with long gown is a colonial legacy, which does not fit with the Indian weather, especially in the northern and coastal areas. He also said that such a dress code is uncomfortable and also causes financial burden due to dry cleaning and washing.
