High Court of Kerala

Vincent Panikulangara v. Union of India and Ors.

MANU/KE/2632/2015

07.12.2015

Constitution

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

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

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