Black coats, gowns no longer mandatory in lower courts amid heatwave

The Supreme Court has relaxed the mandatory dress code for judges and lawyers in lower courts across the country amid an ongoing heatwave.

According to a notification issued today (7 April) under the direction of the chief justice, the new guideline came into effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.

Under the revised guideline, judges of all subordinate civil and criminal courts and tribunals will wear black coats along with white full-sleeve shirts or white sarees/salwar kameez, paired with white neck bands or black ties. However, wearing gowns is no longer mandatory.

Lawyers will also be allowed to appear in court wearing white full-sleeve shirts or white sarees/salwar kameez with white neck bands or black ties, without the requirement to wear black coats and gowns.

The decision aims to provide relief to legal professionals amid rising temperatures across the country.