'Unprecedented Summer Heat': Kerala High Court Relaxes Dress Code Of Advocates

The Kerala High Court has issued a notice relaxing dress code for Advocates for this summer season.

For the Advocates appearing in the High Court, wearing of Gown will be optional.

For those appearing in the Courts in the District Judiciary, the use of black coat and the Advocate's Gown has been made optional. This relaxation is till 31 May 2024.

The Kerala High Court Advocates' Association had earlier requested the High Court to dispense with dress code during this Summer considering the sweltering Summer heat and the difficulties faced by the Advocate community across the State. The Full Court considered this issue in the meeting held on 08.04.2024.

As per the Bar Council of India Rules, the following is the dress code for Advocates:

ADVOCATES:- (a) a black buttoned up coat, chapkan, achkan, black sherwani and white bands with Advocates’ Gowns. (b) A black open breast coat, white shirt, white collar, stiff or soft, and white bands with Advocates’ Gowns. In either case wear long trousers (white, black, striped or grey) or dhoti excluding Jeans: Provided further that in Courts other than the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, Sessions Courts or City Civil Courts, a black tie may be worn instead of bands.

LADY ADVOCATES.- (a) black full sleeve jacket or blouse, white collar stiff or soft, with white bands and Advocates’ Gowns. white blouse, with or without collar, with white flare bands and with a black open breasted coat. Or (b) sarees or long skirts (white or black or any mellow or subdued colour without any print or design) or (white, black or black striped or grey) or Punjabi dress ChuridarKurta or Salwar-Kurta with or without dupatta (white or black) or traditional dress with black coat and bands.

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