The Delhi High Court has issued a fresh circular outlining a revised dress code for judicial officers and practicing lawyers. The new rule emphasizes the importance of maintaining the dignity of the court through appropriate attire.
According to the circular, the dress code for male judicial officers now includes a white shirt and white band, a black coat, and grey or white trousers. Female judicial officers are required to wear either a white or black blouse/shirt with full or half sleeves, sarees in white/black or a combination thereof, pants/salwar kameez/long skirt in white/black/grey, a white collar (stiff/soft), a white band, and a full-sleeved black coat.
The circular also states that the dress code for advocates will follow the rules set by the Bar Council of India.
This revision supersedes the previous Rule 30 of the Canons of Judicial Ethics, High Court Rules & Orders (Vol. IV), which outlined different dress codes for various categories of judicial officers.
The new circular was issued in compliance with the directives of the Chief Justice and other judges of the Delhi High Court, partially superseding a previous circular from 2009.
Earlier this year, Justice Prathiba M Singh clarified that advocates appearing before any court, from city civil courts to the Supreme Court, must wear white bands along with their uniforms. This ruling came in response to a plea challenging a circular issued by the Shahdara Bar Association, which required interns practicing at the Karkardooma Courts to wear specific attire.
The Delhi High Court’s decision to implement a revised dress code aims to uphold the decorum and professionalism of the judicial system.
