Kerala HC relaxes dress code for advocates amid intense heat
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The Kerala High Court has relaxed the dress code for advocates in view of the intense summer heat, making certain traditional attire optional for a limited period.
As per a notice issued by the Registrar General, the court stated that advocates appearing in district courts may choose not to wear the black coat and gown, while those appearing before the High Court can opt out of wearing the gown.
The decision followed a request from the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association, which highlighted the difficulties faced by lawyers due to the sweltering weather.
The notice conveyed that the Chief Justice, after considering the request, approved the temporary relaxation. It clarified that these measures would remain in effect from the date of the notice until May 31, 2026, Indian Express reported.
Regarding the broader legal framework, the dress code for advocates in India is governed by the Advocates Act, 1961, which authorises the Bar Council of India to prescribe rules on courtroom attire, taking into account climatic conditions.
Under the Bar Council of India Rules, 1975, advocates are required to maintain a sober and dignified appearance. For men, this typically includes a black buttoned-up coat, chapkan, achkan, black sherwani and white bands with advocates gowns, a black open breast coat, white shirt, white collar, stiff or soft, and white bands with advocates’ gowns.
In either cases 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.
For women, 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 bands and with a black open-breasted coat.
They can also wear sarees or long skirts (white or black or any mellow or subdued colour without any print or design) or flare (white, black or black striped or grey) or Punjabi dress Churidar Kurta or Salwar Kurta with or without dupatta (white or black) or traditional dress with black coat and bands.
The temporary relaxation, however, allows advocates to adjust their attire in response to extreme weather conditions while continuing to appear in court.