Odisha Advocates Exempted from Wearing Black Coats in Subordinate Courts During Summer

Cuttack: In a move to provide relief from the scorching summer heat, the Odisha State Bar Council has decided to relax the mandatory black coat dress code for advocates appearing in subordinate courts across the state. However, lawyers arguing cases in the Supreme Court and High Courts will still be required to wear their black gowns.

The exemption, which will be in effect from April 1 to June 30, 2025, allows advocates in subordinate courts to attend proceedings wearing a white shirt, paired with black, white-striped, or gray trousers, along with a black tie band and collar, without the traditional black coat.

The decision follows Rule III of Chapter IV of Part VI of the Bar Council of India Rules, which makes gowns optional, except when appearing in higher courts. Additionally, Rule IV allows advocates to forgo black coats in subordinate courts during the summer months.