PLEA BEFORE THE ALLAHABAD HC SEEKING A BAN ON ADVOCATES' DRESS CODE

The Allahabad HC issued notice to the Bar Council of India after hearing a plea seeking a ban on the dress code prescribed for lawyers (Blackcoat and robes), stating that it is against the climate conditions of India. The Allahabad HC also sought a response from the centre and HC administration by August 18.

The Petition was filed by Ashok Pande (party in person), who urged the Allahabad HC to direct for the framing of new rules prescribing the uniform or dress for advocates as per the country's climate. The PIL also sought quashing of a circular framed by the HC administration, which
instructs black robes. Further, the PIL prays to prohibit the dress code prescribed for Advocates by the Bar Council of India Rules, 1975.

The plea also states that the advocate's band is a religious symbol of Christianity, and therefore the non-Christians should not be compelled to wear it. Also, wearing white sari and salwar kameez is a symbol of a widow as per the Hindu religion and culture, so there is no application of mind on the part of BCB. 

The Petitioner further said that the Bar Council should prescribe and design some dress code for lawyers on the same pattern of dress code provided for the navy, army and Air force.

The Bench of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Ajai Kumar Srivastava was hearing the matter.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal