Vincent Panikulangara v. Union of India and Ors. - (High Court of Kerala) (07 Dec 2015)

Advocates’ attire “necessary and conducive for dispensation of justice”

MANU/KE/2632/2015

Constitution

Kerala High Court dismissed a petition by a lawyer alleging “severe hardship and inconvenience” due to the dress code imposed in courts. The petitioner had argued that whereas formal attire requirements at jurisdictions around the world had changed substantially, rules at the Kerala High Court and Bar Council of India insisted on lawyers wearing black coats, gowns and white bands despite the less than agreeable weather. The Court reiterated the sanctity of advocates’ dress code and how the same distinguished the person as a “guardian of rule of law…men of knowledge, integrity and persons upholding the rules of law.” It also reminded of provisions in the rules excusing black coats during summer months.

Relevant : Satish Kumar Sharma v. Bar Council of H.P. MANU/SC/0005/2001 Prayag Das v. Civil Judge Bulandshahr MANU/UP/0036/1974 Section 49 Advocate Act, 1961

Tags : ADVOCATE DRESS CODE KERALA ATTIRE