The Gurugram Bar Association has strictly warned non-lawyers against wearing advocate-like attire inside court premises, stating, “Violation May Lead to Action & Rs.5000 Fine,” and said only enrolled advocates and registered law interns may wear the professional dress.
The Gurugram District Bar Association adopted a resolution emphasizing that only enrolled lawyers and recognized law interns are permitted to wear white shirts and black trousers, or similar attire, on the district court premises.
The association, On June 5, issued a statement expressing concern about non-advocates and unregistered law interns frequently donning these outfits in court, leading to confusion and misidentification.
This situation has occasionally disrupted the decorum and discipline of court proceedings.
As a result, the association has warned that any unauthorized individual found in attire resembling that of an advocate could face a fine of Rs.5,000.
The resolution reads,
“Only enrolled advocates and bona fide law interns duly authorized and registered with advocates shall be permitted to wear the professional dress code of white shirt and black pant (or salwar suit, sari, etc., as per Bar Council norms) within the court premises. No other individual, including clerks, touts, litigants, or members of the general public, shall be allowed to wear white shirts and black pants in a manner resembling advocate attire, in any part of the District Court premises,”
The Bar Association will collaborate with court administration and security personnel to enforce this dress code.
The resolution stated,
“Any violation may be reported for appropriate action and Fine of Rs. 5000/,”
Several courts across India have observed that individuals who are not enrolled as advocates are entering courtrooms dressed in black coats and bands, which are traditionally reserved for practicing lawyers. This not only violates court decorum but also poses risks of impersonation and interference with the administration of justice.
In India, the advocate attire is a formal dress code prescribed under the Bar Council of India Rules, framed under the Advocates Act, 1961. It symbolizes the dignity, discipline, and decorum of the legal profession.
The standard court attire for advocates includes:
- For male advocates: a white shirt with a white collar, black trousers, a black coat, and a white neck band.
- For female advocates: a white saree or salwar-kameez with a white collar, or white shirt and black trousers, along with a black coat and white neck band.
Wearing this attire without being a registered advocate is prohibited and considered a serious violation of court norms.
Read Attachment