HC closes PIL on lawyers' dress code in lower courts

The Madras High Court bench here today closed a PIL seeking to direct Bar Council of India and Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Bar councils to issue circulars to all Bar and Advocates Associations to give proper instructions to maintain dress code, manner and conduct in lower courts.
Chief Justice S K Kaul and Justice Nooti R Ramamohanarao closed the PIL after BCI and Tamil Nadu Bar council submitted that most advocates follow the code and there was no need to give any direction.
If it was brought to BCI's notice that a lawyer was not following the code, the same could be addressed to him or her and there was no need for any fresh direction, they said.

The Bar Council secretary said if they received a specific complaint with relevant proof, they would take necessary action after issuing notice to the advocate concerned.
Petitioner B Ramkumar Adityan, a law graduate, submitted that BCI rules prescribe a dress code. However, some Public Prosecutors in subordinate courts attend courts without uniform. Many argue their cases sitting on the bench, which gave a bad impression.
Advocates had no choice in the matter of dress while appearing in court and might not be permitted to appear if not properly attired. "The dress code is a symbol of the dignity, honour, wisdom and justice. They cannot attend court wearing T shirt and jeans," he submitted.

As per the code, male advocates should wear black buttoned coat, Chakpan, Achkan, black sherwani, white banks with advocate gowns or a black open breasted coat. The long trousers should be white or black striped or grey.
Lady advocates also could wear coat, sarees, long skirts or churidar, kurta or salwar kurta in subdued colours. But some women lawyers wear bright colour sarees, he said.
The petitioner also sought a direction to the Registrar General of the Madras High court to issue an administrative order to subordinate judicial officers not to permit advocates to appear before court without proper uniform.