The debate over India’s legal dress code was stirred up in May after activist Asim Sarode surveyed lawyers in Pune.
Sarode said 65% of district court lawyers supported a change.
”I would say the major reason for a change is the health hazard the black coat causes. In America and Europe, the weather conditions allow such a dress code. I would prefer a simple shirt with a black collar,” Sarode was reported as saying in NewKerala.com.
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But while some 55.6% of the lawyers surveyed felt the black coat was completely unsuitable for the Indian climate, most appeared willing to continue wearing it. Of respondents, 86% said the dress code was necessary, while 62.5% said it had become a status symbol.
Problems with the black robe include overheating and rashes. Some respondents suggested the robe be made in another colour.
The traditional black coat dates back to 17th century England when robes were adopted as a symbol of mourning after the death of King Charles II. The Advocate’s Act, 1961, made it mandatory for Indian advocates appearing in the Supreme Court, high courts, subordinate courts, tribunals or authorities to wear sober and dignified attire.
The prescribed dress code is a black buttoned-up coat, a chapkan, achkan or sherwani and white bands with advocates’ gowns, or a black open breast coat, white shirt, and white-collar. For female lawyers, the requirement is a black full-sleeved jacket or blouse, white collar with white bands, paired with a sari, trousers, or a salwar kameez and an advocates’ gown.
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