Supreme Court junks plea over exempting advocates from wearing black coats, gowns in summers

Supreme Court has refused to entertain a petition seeking exemption for advocates from wearing black coats and gowns during summer.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition seeking exemption for advocates from wearing black coats and gowns during summer in the Supreme Court and the high courts.

A bench headed by Justice Indira Banerjee granted the liberty to withdraw the plea and make representation to the Bar Council of India.

During the hearing today, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the exemption was needed as Supreme Court corridors were not air-conditioned. He added that it was a problem for counsels, who don’t have air-conditioned cars.

The present petition sought directions from the Bar Council of India to amend its rules to exempt advocates from wearing black coats and gowns in summers.

The petitioner argued that moving to and fro between district courts, high courts and the Supreme Court wearing the coat and gown in summer heat got unbearable. Further, taking them off and carrying along was not always possible due to important files and other items being held in hands.

Source: This article was first published in India Today