A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, requesting an exemption for lawyers from wearing black coats and gowns during the summer months.
The plea, submitted by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, calls for a directive to apply this exemption not only in the apex court but also in high courts across the country.
Tripathi's petition argues that the current dress code, mandated by the Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules under the Advocates Act, 1961, poses significant hardships and health risks due to the extreme summer heat.
The advocate stressed the difficulty lawyers face while moving from one court to another in the sweltering conditions.
The plea suggests that the state bar councils be tasked with determining the specific "months of prevailing summer" for each state.
This would allow for localised decisions on when lawyers can forgo the black coat and gown, tailoring the exemption to the peak summer periods in different regions.
Additionally, the petition requests the state bar councils to amend their rules to reflect these changes, providing a seasonal respite for lawyers from the traditional dress code.
The plea highlights the importance of considering the health and comfort of legal professionals amidst rising temperatures.
This is not the first time such a request has reached the Supreme Court. In 2022, the apex court declined to entertain a similar plea, citing that it could not be considered under Article 32.
The court then advised the petitioner to approach the Bar Council of India with the grievance.
As it stands, the BCI Rules require advocates to wear a black coat with a white shirt and a white neckband.
The rules also stipulate that while wearing a gown is optional in general court appearances, it becomes mandatory when lawyers appear before the Supreme Court or a high court.
The current petition seeks a reconsideration of these rules, advocating for a more practical and health-conscious approach during the intense summer months.
Follow us
