Lawyers' dress code in Summer: SC asks petitioner to approach BCI

Supreme Court has declined to entertain a petition seeking relaxation of dress code for lawyers during summer, the court has asked the petitioner to approach the Bar Council of India (BCI) for this issue.

After Supreme Court refused to entertain the petition seeking relaxation of the dress code for lawyers during the summer, the petitioner decided to withdraw his plea and the Court has allowed the withdrawal of the plea.

A Bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and V Ramasubramanian advised the petitioner Shailendra Tripathi to approach the Bar Council of India (BCI) for this issue.

Court hearing details

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh appearing for the petitioner said that the Supreme Court does not have air-conditioned corridors, and hence wearing black gowns and coats in summer, especially in Delhi creates problems, as reported by Live Law.

“It [black gowns] adds dignity and decorum, but striking a prudent balance between symbolism and a favourable working environment is critical. Such a dress code causes discomfort and adds a financial burden because the clothes must be dry-cleaned and washed," stated the plea, as reported by Law Trend.

The plea was filed by Advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi who was seeking direction from court to BCI to amend its rules regarding the dress codes of lawyers and provide an exemption to advocates from wearing black coats and gowns during summer.

The petitioner said that moving to and from district courts, high courts and the Supreme Court, wearing coats and gowns in torrid summer heat becomes unbearable and taking them off and carrying them is always not possible.

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