sc-rejects-plea-to-exempt-lawyers-from-wearing-gown-coat

"You can't argue in kurta-pyjama or shorts," Supreme Court judges said on Tuesday while rejecting a PIL seeking exemption for lawyers from wearing black coats and gowns in courts in the summer.

 

The Apex court said a dress code was necessary.

 

"Ultimately it is a matter of decorum. You should be properly attired. You have to wear something. You cannot argue in ‘kurta pajyama’ or shorts and T-shirt...," said a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

 

The bench, however, permitted lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who filed the PIL in his personal capacity, to submit a representation to the Bar Council of India, the state bar councils and the Centre on the issue, saying they may take a decision on it.

 

When Tripathi said lawyers may be exempted from following their regular regular dress code during summer, CJI Chandrachud told him that the climate in Rajasthan is not similar to Bangalore and hence, let the respective bar councils take a decision on this.

 

The bench said the petitioner can make a representation to the bar councils and the government for suitable amendments to the dress code.

 

As the bench was not inclined to entertain the petition, Tripathi sought its permision to withdraw the PIL which was granted.