Dress Code
Parthasarathi Loganathan
(Querist) 23 September 2010
This query is : Resolved
The Bar Council of India Rules prescribe strict regulatioons as to an advocates dress code. An advocate has no choice in the matter of dress while appearing in court and may not be permitted to appear if incorrectly attired
Advocates appearing in the Supreme Court, high court, subordinate courts, tribunals or authorities must wear the dress prescribed, which must be sober and dignified. Male advocates must wear a black buttoned-up coat, chapkan, achkan or a black sherwani, and white bands with advocate's gown or a black open-breasted coat, white shirt, white collar, stiff or soft, and white bands with advocate's gown. In either case long trousers (white, black striped or grey) or dhoti must be worn.
Women advocates must wear black and full or half sleeve jackets or blouses, a white collar, stiff or soft, with white bands with advocate's gown. They may wear saris or long skirts (white, or black or any mellow or subdued colour without any print or design) or flare, or Punjabi dress (churidar kurta or salwar kurta, with or without dupatta), white or black.
Wearing of an advocate's gown is optional except when appearing in the Supreme Court or in a high court. In courts other than the Supreme Court, high court, district court, sessions court or city civil court a black tie may be worn instead of bands. Certain high courts such as the Delhi High Court permit advocates not to wear a gown during the summer months.
An advocate must appear in court, at all times, only in prescribed dress, and his appearance must always be presentable. An advocate must not wear bands or gown in public places other than in courts except on such ceremonial occasions and at such places as the Bar Council of India or the court may prescribe.
Of late we see many lawyers and advocates use their own mode of dress while in profession. Can anyone guide me as to what is the correct dress code which must be correctly maintained. (I mean colour and design of shirt and pant)
Arvind Singh Chauhan
(Expert) 23 September 2010
Respected,
Parth Sir, your suggestion is quite correct that lawyers should not wear their dress except court. At least they should put off coat or gown and bands while leaving court premises, It seems very awkward that fully dressed as a lawyer in market or public place.
I am satisfied with dress code, already fixed.
