The Delhi Bar Association has exempted advocates from wearing black coats in courts from May 16 to September 30, easing discomfort in the summer heat. This rule follows the Advocates Act and applies to courts below the Delhi High Court.
New Delhi: Today, on June 02, the Delhi Bar Association at Tis Hazari Court has allowed its members, advocates practicing in Delhi’s lower courts, to not wear black coats during the hot summer months.
This decision comes as a relief to lawyers who face extreme heat while appearing in district courts.
A formal notice was issued by the association on May 24, clearly stating that the rule has been relaxed as per the Advocates Act, 1961.
The notice read:
“All the members are hereby informed that advocates are exempted from wearing black coats during summer, ie, from May 16 to September 30, as per the amendment in rule under Section 49 (1) (gg) of the Advocates Act of 1961.”
This particular section of the Advocates Act gives the Bar Council of India (BCI) the authority to make rules about what lawyers should wear in court, keeping in mind the weather and other relevant conditions.
The Bar Association’s decision applies to lawyers practicing in all courts that are below the level of the Delhi High Court.
The notice further mentioned:
“The members are free to appear in courts subordinate to the Delhi High Court without wearing black coats. The members, however, are advised to adhere to the other rules of the dress code, which is mandatory for an advocate.”
This move is especially significant considering the extremely hot temperatures in Delhi during the summer months, often crossing 45 degrees Celsius.
Wearing a black coat over a white shirt and trousers becomes difficult and uncomfortable under such conditions.
By temporarily lifting the requirement to wear the black coat, the Delhi Bar Association has prioritized the comfort and health of advocates while still maintaining the dignity of the court.
The notice was signed by Vikas Goyal, who is the Secretary of the Delhi Bar Association (Tis Hazari).
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