Vidushi Vats
All Bar Associations in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have received a circular, emphasizing that not adhering to the designated dress code will be considered a form of professional misconduct.
“The legal profession is a noble profession and in order to maintain its dignity, decorum and nobility, several duties are cast upon the advocates under the Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India Rules. Since, the advocates are the officers of the court, they have to follow the Rules framed under the Act,” the circular read.
In response to complaints about some advocates not adhering to the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) prescribed dress code, the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (BCTNP) has taken action. They have sent a warning to all Bar Associations in the State and the Union Territory, cautioning their members against wearing jeans, capris, and leggings to courts.
BCTNP Chairman P.S. Amalraj emphasized in the circular that it is the responsibility of every advocate to present themselves in a professional manner before the courts. Any breach of the designated dress code would be considered a form of professional misconduct, subject to penalties under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
The circular explicitly outlines the dress code rules for advocates. According to these rules, male advocates are required to don a black buttoned up coat, chapkan, achkan, or black sherwani, accompanied by a white band and advocate’s gown. Alternatively, they can opt for a black open breasted coat paired with a white shirt, white collar (stiff or soft), white band and advocate’s gown.
For female lawyers, the rules stipulate the attire as a black full sleeve jacket or blouse, featuring a white collar (stiff or soft), white bands, and advocate’s gown. Another option is a white blouse (with or without a collar) combined with white bands and a black open breasted coat.
Furthermore, the Bar Council of India Rules extend permission for women advocates to choose from a variety of outfits. This includes sarees or long skirts in white, black, or any mellow, subdued color without any print or design. They can also opt for flared attire in white, black, black striped, or grey, or choose Punjabi outfits like churidar-kurta or salwar-kurta with or without a dupatta in white or black, along with traditional dresses paired with black coats and bands.
It’s important to note that as per the Rules, the wearing of advocate’s gowns is optional for both men and women, except when appearing in the Supreme Court or any of the High Courts. Additionally, the obligation to wear a black coat is not mandatory in any forum, except for the Supreme Court and High Courts during the summer.
“An Advocate shall appear in court at all times only in the prescribed dress and his appearance shall always be presentable. An advocate shall not wear band or gown in public places other than in courts except on such ceremonial occasions and at such places as the BCI or the court may prescribe,” the Rules add.
Therefore, Mr. Amalraj said: “Since specific Rules have been laid down with respect to the dress code to be followed by the advocates, any other dress such as wearing jeans, capri pants (pants that are longer than shorts but are not as long as trousers), leggings, etc., are strictly restricted (sic).”