You can't argue in kurta-pyjama: Supreme Court on plea for summer dress code relaxation for lawyers

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea seeking relaxation of the dress code for lawyers across the country during the summer season. [Shailendra Tripathi v. Union of India and ors].A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra emphasised that weather conditions across the country vary and, therefore, it was an appropriate issue for the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the Central government to decide."But conditions in Rajasthan is not similar to Bangalore. So let Bar Council (of India) decide. For Supreme Court, there needs to be decorum you see. You have to come properly attired," the Court said..The petitioner, Advocate Shailendra Tripathi, in 2022 had withdrawn a similar plea before the apex court after being asked to approach the BCI with his grievance.The Court had said at the time that the petitioner will be at liberty to approach it again if the BCI does not act..During the hearing today, the Court emphasised that while gowns are already exempted, a minimum standard of decorum must be maintained."Gowns are already exempted. You have to wear something. You cannot argue in kurta-pyjama or shorts and t-shirt also. There has to be some decorum also," the Court said.When asked what the ideal dress for lawyers should be, the petitioner argued that the black coat and gown should be exempted, or some other colour should be allowed.The Court, however, highlighted the varying weather conditions across the country and directed the petitioner to make a representation to the BCI and the Centre. The petition was dismissed as withdrawn..Tripathi in his petition had argued that the dress code for lawyers consisting of black robes/coats/blazers with long ceremonial gowns, was a colonial legacy unsuited to the Indian climate, particularly during summers in the northern and coastal parts of the country. Such a dress code causes discomfort and also imposes a financial burden on account of the clothes needing to be dry-cleaned and washed, it was contended.