Overview

• A May 24 DBA circular exempts advocates from wearing black coats from May 16 to September 30 under revised rules of the Advocates Act, 1961
• The exemption covers only black coats, with lawyers still required to adhere to other dress code elements such as bands and gowns
• District and sessions judges across Delhi have been formally informed to enforce the temporary dress code change
• Practitioners welcomed the move as a welfare measure to reduce physical and mental strain caused by high temperatures and inadequate court infrastructure
• The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa and Bhopal’s Bar Council have implemented similar seasonal black coat exemptions earlier this year