The Supreme Court dismissed a petition on Monday, which sought relaxation of dress code for lawyers during the summer season.
A Bench comprising Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice V Ramasubramanian told petitioner Shailendra Tripathi to approach the Bar Council of India (BCI) regarding his grievance.
In case the BCI did not act, the petitioner was at liberty to approach the top court of the country again, said the Bench, while adding that it cannot entertain the plea under Article 32 of the Constitution.
As per the petition, the present dress code for lawyers consisted of black robes/coats/blazers with long ceremonial gowns, which was a colonial legacy, unsuited to the Indian climate, particularly during summers in the northern and coastal parts of the country.
It said though black gowns brought dignity and decorum, but striking a balance between symbolism and favourable working environment was necessary.
Appearing fore the petitioner, Senior Counsel Vikas Singh said that such a dress code caused discomfort and also imposed a financial burden on account of the clothes needing to be washed and dry-cleaned.
The plea was filed through Advocate Abhigya Kushwah.
Case Title: Shailendra Tripathi vs Bar Council of India and ors