'Approach Bar Council Of India': Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea To Relax Lawyers' Dress Code During Summer

The Supreme Court today declined to entertain a petition seeking relaxation of dress code for lawyers during the summer season.As an alternative, a Bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and V Ramasubramanian asked the petitioner to approach the Bar Council of India (BCI) regarding his grievance.The petitioner then decided to withdraw his plea, which was allowed by the Bench.During the hearing, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the petitioner pointed out that as the Supreme Court does not have air-conditioned corridors, wearing back gowns and coats would be an issue, especially in Delhi. The Supreme Court lawyers are also equally concerned about the practicality of the dress code, he apprised the Bench.However, the Bench questioned the petitioner as to how the plea could be entertained under Article 32 of the Constitution.After the petitioner sought to withdraw the plea, the court clarified that the petitioner would be at liberty to approach the top court again if the BCI does not act upon the said request.The Court was hearing a petition moved by Advocate Shailendera Mani Tripathi seeking an exemption to Advocates from wearing black coats and gowns in the months of summer in the Supreme Court and the High Courts. In this regard, he wanted the Court to direct the Bar Council of India to amend its rules to exempt advocates from wearing Black coats and Gowns during the summer months.According to the petitioner, moving to and fro between District Courts, the High Courts and the Supreme Court, wearing coats and gowns in torrid summer heat becomes unbearable, and taking them off and carrying along is not always possible due to important files and other items being held in hands.Further, the petitioner Advocate argued that not all the advocates practising at the Supreme Court and the High Courts are affluent enough to afford a mode of conveyance that is air-conditioned and wearing a black coat and gown in the months of summer aggravates the effect of heat.The petitioner has submitted that uncomfortable attire leads to decreased productivity due to uneasiness and walking the premises of the Courts, wearing the black coat and gown in unbearably hot weather causes frustration and vexation, which reflects as irritable conduct.The plea has further argued that the coats and blazers impose an unnecessary economic burden of maintenance as due to excessive perspiration.Cate Title: Shailendra Mani Tripathi v. Bar Council of India & Ors. W.P. (C) No. 220/2022 PIL-WClick Here To Read/Download Order

'Approach Bar Council Of India': Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea To Relax Lawyers' Dress Code During Summer

Rintu Mariam Biju

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