Bhubaneswar, March 6: In light of the sweltering summer temperatures, the Odisha State Bar Council has announced that advocates will be exempt from wearing black coats in subordinate courts across the state. However, the dress code will remain unchanged for lawyers appearing before the Supreme Court and High Courts, where gowns are still mandatory.
The new directive, passed today, will come into effect from April 1, 2025, and continue through June 30, 2025. During this period, advocates are allowed to attend court proceedings dressed in a white shirt paired with black, white-striped, or gray trousers and a black tie band and collar.
This exemption is in line with Rule III of Chapter IV, Part VI of the Bar Council of India Rules, which makes wearing an advocate’s gown optional except for appearances before the Supreme Court or High Courts. Additionally, Rule IV permits relaxation from wearing black coats in subordinate courts during the summer, while the requirement remains in place for higher courts.
The move is aimed at offering some relief to legal professionals during the hottest months of the year while maintaining the dress code standards for higher judicial bodies.
