Following complaints of some advocates not following the dress code prescribed by the Bar Council of India (BCI), the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (BCTNP) has written to all Bar associations in the State as well as the Union Territory, warning their members against wearing jeans, capris and leggings to courts.

In a circular issued to the bar associations, BCTNP chairman P.S. Amalraj has stated that it is the duty of all advocates to appear before the courts in a presentable manner and any violation of the prescribed dress code would amount to professional misconduct punishable under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961.

“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.

“It is brought to the Bar Council’s attention that some advocates are not adhering to the dress code as prescribed under the Bar Council of India Rules,” it continued. As a result, all attorneys are hereby informed that Part VI Chapter IV of the BCI Rules specifies the type of dresses or robes that attorneys must wear.

The circular also included a copy of the Rules, which say that male advocates must dress in either a black open-breasted coat with a white shirt, a white collar (either stiff or soft), a white band, and an advocate’s gown, or a black buttoned-up coat, chapkan, achkan, or black sherwani.

“In either case, they must wear long trousers (white, black, striped or grey) or dhoti excluding jeans…. In courts other than the Supreme Court, High Courts, district courts, sessions courts or city civil courts, a black tie may be worn instead of band,” the BCI Rules stated.

In the case of women lawyers, the Rules required them to wear black full sleeve jacket or blouse with a white collar (stiff or soft), white bands and advocate’s gowns. They could also wear a white blouse (with or without a collar) with white bands and a black open breasted coat.

Additionally, the BCI Rules allow women’s rights advocates to wear sarees, long skirts in white, black, or any neutral or subdued color without a print or pattern, flared skirts in white, black, or black striped fabric, or traditional dresses with black coats and bands.

The Rules further specify that wearing a black coat would not be required in any forum, except for the Supreme Court and High Courts during the summer, and that wearing an advocate’s gown is optional for both men and women when appearing in those courts.

An advocate must always arrive in court in the appropriate attire and with a presentable look. Except for ceremonial dates and locations that the BCI or the court may specify, an advocate is not permitted to wear a band or gown in public settings other than courts, according to the Rules.

Mr. Amalraj explained as follows: “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).”

Mr. Amalraj, in his circular, requested all bar associations to inform their members about the circular and make sure that they adhere to the dress code.