Cuttack: In anticipation of the intense summer heat, the Odisha State Bar Council has decided to exempt advocates from wearing black coats in subordinate courts across the state. However, lawyers appearing before the Supreme Court and High Courts will still be required to wear their gowns.
The resolution, passed today, will be in effect from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. As per the directive, advocates can attend court proceedings wearing a white shirt along with black, white-striped, or gray trousers, complemented by a black tie band and collar.
The exemption aligns with Rule III of Chapter IV of Part VI of the Bar Council of India Rules, which states that wearing an advocate’s gown is optional, except when appearing in the Supreme Court or High Courts. Furthermore, Rule IV allows relaxation from wearing black coats in subordinate courts during summer, with the requirement remaining mandatory only for the Supreme Court and High Courts.
The decision aims to provide relief to legal practitioners during the peak summer months while ensuring adherence to professional dress codes in higher courts.
